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HISTORICAL SCENES 



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UNITED STATES 




ERESTING 



NEW-HAVEN : 

PUBLISHED BY MONSON AND C<>, 
1827. 




DISTRICT OF COMNEC. 1C 

Be it remembered, That on the twenty-first day of March, 
in the fifty-first year of the Indepenflenee of the United States 
of America, John W. Barber, of the said District, hath de- 
posited in this office the title fcf a wok, the right whereof he 
claims as Author and Propgietorrep the words following, to 
wit: 

"Historical Scenes in the United States, or a selection of im- 
portant and interesting events in the history of the United 
States. Illustrated by numerous Engravings." 

In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, en- 
tiled, " An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing 
the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and pro- 
prietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned." — 
And also to the act, entitled " An act supplementary to an act, 
entitled ' An act for the encouragement of learning, by se- 
curing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- 
tioned,' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of de- 
signing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." 
CHAS. A. INGERSOLL, 

Clerk of the District of Connecticut. 
A true copy of Record, examined and sealed by me, 
CHAS. A. INGERSOLL, 

Clerk of the District of Connecticut. 







PREFACE. 

The object of this little work is to present to the 
youthful reader a concise and comprehensive account 
of some of the most important and interesting events 
which have taken place in the history of our country, 
arranged in a chronological order. 

In compiling this Book a variety of works have been 
consulted, and care has been taken, that the events 
herein recorded should be drawn from the most au- 
thentic sources, and in some instances the same words 
of the different authors are used. 

It is believed that the Engraving which accompanies 
each scene, will be of much utility in assisting the mem- 
ory to retain the facts mentioned. 

It is also believed that this work might be used with 
advantage in many of our schools, and for this purpose 
Questions on each scene are inserted at the end of 
the Book. A Chronological Table is likewise added, 
containing some of the most important events which 
have taken place in the history of the United States, 
arranged under their respective heads. 

New-Haven, 1827. 



limited States 





Sftetcftea, $zt. 



(1.) Native Indians. 

Before the arrival of the European settlers the 
whole of what is now the United States was an 
unbroken wilderness inhabited by small tribes or 
clans of Indians. Where many of our populous 
cities and villages rise, was then a gloomy forest, 
resounding with the howlings of wild beasts and 
the terriffic yells of the savages. 

The native Indians of North America were di- 
vided into many small tribes, governed by their 
sachems, or kings, and were often at war with each 
other. 

In their persons the Indians were tall, straight, 
and well proportioned. In their councils they 
were distinguished for their gravity and eloquence ; 
in war for bravery, stratagem, and revenge. 

Hunting, fishing, and war, was the employment 
of the men. The women were compelled to till 
the field, and to perform the drudgery of their do 
mestic affairs. 

Their dress in summer consisted chiefly of a 

slight covering about the waist; in winter they 

clothed themselves with the skins of wild animal? 
1* 



They were extremely fond of ornaments, and on 
days of festivity and show they were painted with 
various colours and profusely ornamented with 
shells, beads, and feathers. 

Their habitations which were called by the Eng- 
lish wigwams, were constructed by erecting a 
strong pole for the centre, around which other 
poles a few feet distant were driven, and fastened 
to the centre pole at the top, then covered with 
mats and bark of trees, which rendered them a 
shelter from the weather. 

• Their warlike instruments and domestic utensils 
were few and simple : — a tomahawk, or hatchet of 
stone, bows and arrows, sharp stones and shells, 
which they used for knives and hoes, and stone 
mortars for pounding their corn. For money they 
used small beads curiously wrought from shells and 
strung on belts, or in chains, called wampum. 

The Indians believed that they should exist after 
this life, and if they were good warriors and hun- 
ters, that they would after death find plenty of 
ofame, &,c. ; accordingly when a person died they 
buried with him his bow and arrows, dogs and 
whatever else was valuable to him when living. 
They believed in the existence of two gods, the 
one good whom they called the Great Spirit, and 
the other evil. They considered the Great Spirit 
superior to the evil. They likewise worshipped 



the sun, moon, fire, thunder, and any thing which 
they thought superior to themselves or capable of 
doing them an injury. Their manner of worship 
was to sing and dance around a large fire, and they 
sometimes sacrificed some animal to appease their 
evil deities when they were suffering affliction. 
They prayed to the Great Spirit for success when 
they set out on their enterprises of hunting or war. 

In their most dangerous disorders they sent for 
their Powaws, or priests who used many spells 
and incantations for the recovery of the sick. 
These powaws had a great influence over the 
minds of the Indians. 

The Indians appeared to have distinct tradi- 
tions of the creation and deluge, and some of their 
words, rites, and ceremonies, bear a strong affinity 
to those of the ancient Hebrews. 



(2.) Settlement at Jamestown in Virginia. 

The first European who discovered the coast 
of the United States was John Cabot a Venetian, 
who was employed by Henry VII. of England to 
make discoveries. What is now called the Island 
of Newfoundland was first seen by him, and sail- 
ing thence in a westerly direction he ranged the 



8 

coast to Florida. This was in the year 1497 — about 
five years after the first discoveries of Columbus. 

After many unsuccessful attempts to establish a 
permanent settlement, Capt. Christopher Newport 
was sent out by a company in England with 150 
colonists. After a voyage of four months they 
entered the Chesapeak bay and proceeded up a 
river called by the natives Powhattan, (now James 
River,) and landed May 1607, at the place which 
now bears the name of Jamestown. This was the 
first permanent colony in North America. 



i^9* 



(3.) Pocahontas. 

Among the most enterprising and brave of the 
Virginia settlers was Capt. John Smith. Under a 
pretext of commerce he was drawn into an ambush 
of a numerous body of Indians, who seized him 
and carried him in triumph to Powhattan their 
king. Powhattan sentenced him to death. Capt. 
Smith was led out and his head was placed upon a 
large stone to receive the fatal blow. At this mo- 
ment Pocahontas the youngest and darling daugh- 
ter of Powhattan, then thirteen years old, rushed 
to the spot where Capt. Smith lay, threw her arms 
about his neck, and placed her own head on his, 
declaring that if the cruel sentence was executed 





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the first blow should fall on her. The sachem was 
moved — yielded to the entreaties of his daughter, 
and consented to spare his victim upon the con- 
dition of a ransom. The ransom was paid — Capt 
Smith was released, and returned unhurt to James- 
town, 

(4.) Jamestown saved. 

In 1609, two or three years after Pocahontas 
saved the life of Capt. Smith, Powhattan formed 
a horrid scheme for the entire destruction of the 
colony at Jamestown. His project was, to attack 
them in time of peace, and to cut the throats of 
the whole colony. 

In a dark and stormy night, Pocahontas, like an 
angel of mercy, hastened alone to Jamestown and 
discovered the inhuman plot of her father. The 
colonists thus warned, took proper measures to 
repel the insidious attack. 

Pocahontas after this was married to an English- 
man named Rolfe, with whom she went to Eng- 
land. She embraced the christian religion and 
took the baptismal name of Rebecca. After a res- 
idence of several years in England during which, 
she exemplified the religion she professed, she died 
as she was about embarking for America. 

She left an only son who was married and left 



10 

none but daughters ; from them descended some 
of the most respectable families in Virginia. 

(5.) Plymouth Settlers. 

The Colony at Plymouth, Mass. was planted 
principally for the sake of the free and undistur- 
bed enjoyment of Religion. The colonists (who 
were generally known by the name of Puritans, 
which was intended as a reproachful epithet) were 
originally from the North of England. 

During the reign of James I., they fled with 
their pastor from the persecutions of their enemies 
at home, to Amsterdam in Holland, in 1608. They 
afterwards removed to Leyden, where they remain- 
ed until they sailed to America. 

Having resolved upon a removal, they purcha- 
sed two small ships and repaired to Plymouth, 
Eng. — Thence they proceeded about one hundred 
leagues, on their voyage, when they were com- 
pelled to return in consequence of one of the ships 
proving leaky. This ship was condemned, and the 
other being crowded with all the passengers that 
were embarked in both ships, again put to sea, 
September 6. 

After encountering a tremendous gale, they ar- 
rived on the 10th Nov. at Cape Cod. The next 



11 

day they landed and immediately upon their knees 
returned thanks to the Almighty who had brought 
them thus far safely. 

Before landing, they formed themselves into a 
"body politic" and Mr. John Carver was chosen 
their Governor for one year. 

Parties for exploring the country were then des- 
patched to find a suitable place for their future 
abode, and after reconnoitering several days, at 
length selected a scite for a settlement. The com- 
pany approving the choice landed on the 22d day 
of December, 1 620. They were divided into nine- 
teen families and they each erected for themselves 
a habitation. On Sunday, December 31, they at- 
tended public worship for the first time in their 
settlement, and named the place Plymouth. This 
was the first settlement in New-England. A part 
of the rock on which they first stepped has been 
placed in the centre of the town, and is called at 
this day the Fore-father s rock. The anniversary 
of their landing is still celebrated by their descen- 
dants as a religious festival. 



(6.) Discovering Indian Corn. 

One of the exploring parties mentioned in the 
preceding account, consisted of sixteen men under 



31 a g^a dlMiLS <ptt i 




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C'commecti-riit 




13 

was then given to the sachem " wno drank a 
great draught, that made him sweat all the while 
after." After eating they entered into a friendly 
treaty. They agreed to avoid injuries on both 
sides, to restore stolen goods, to assist each other in 
all just wars, and to endeavour to promote peaco 
and harmony among their neighbours. This treaty 
was faithfully observed by Massasoit and his suc- 
cessors for more than forty years after. 

In the year 1623, Massasoit was taken sick and 
sent information of it to the Governor, who sent 
two of his friends to make him a visit. Their 
visit and the presents which they brought, were very 
gratifying to Massasoit, and the medicines they ad- 
ministered were successful in restoring his health. 
Gratitude for their kindness prompted him to dis- 
close a conspiracy of the Indians which had for its 
object the total destruction of the English, This 
timely notice averted the calamity. 



(8.) Settlement of Connecticut. 

In 1635, October 15th, about sixty men, women 
and children from Dorchester, Mass. with their 
horses and cattle and swine, took up their march 
across the wilderness to Connecticut river. Their 
dangerous journey over mountains and rivers, and 
2 



14 

through swamps they were two weeks in performing. 
"The forests through which they passed for the 
first time, resounded with the praises of God. They 
prayed and sang psalms and hymns ; the Indians 
following them in silent admiration." It was so late 
in the season when they reached theplace (now cal- 
led Windsor) of their destination, that they were 
unable to find feed for their cattle, most of which 
died the ensuing winter. 

Disappointed in receiving their provisions, famine 
threatened them, and those who remained through 
the winter were obliged to subsist on acorns, malt 
and grains. 

The congregation at Newtown, (now Cam- 
bridge,) consisting of about one hundred men, wo- 
men and children, with the Rev. Mr. Hooker their 
pastor at their head, also emigrated more than 
one hundred miles through a howling wilderness to 
Hartford. They had no guide but their compass, 
on their way they subsisted on milk, for they drove 
before them one hundred and sixty head of cattle. 
They were obliged to carry Mrs. Hooker upon a 
litter. 

They began a plantation and called it Newtown, 
which name was afterwards exchanged for Hartford. 

In the fall of 1637, a small party from Massa- 
chusetts journied to Connecticut to explore the 
lands and harbours on the sea coast. They chose 



15 

Quinnipiac for the place of their settlement and 
erected a poor hut in which a few men subsisted 
through the winter. And on the 30th of March 
following, a larger party sailed from Boston for 
Quinnipiac, where they arrived in about two weeks. 
This began the settlement of New-Haven. 



(9.) Stratagem of a Pequot Indian. 

Among the traits that mark the Indian character, 
those of cunning and stratagem are well known. 

In one of the frequent wars among the different 
tribes of Indians, a Pequot was pursued by a Nar- 
raganset Indian. The Pequot skulked behind a 
rock and raised his hat upon his gun just above the 
rock, so that his hat only was seen from the other 
side. The Narraganset who was yet at some dis- 
tance, perceiving the hat, and thinking of course 
that his head must also be there, crept softly up 
within a few feet and fired. But he directly found 
that he had thrown away his powder, while the Pe- 
quot had reserved his which he discharged to effect 
upon the poor Narragansett. 



(10.) Destruction of the Pequot Fort. 
The year 1637 is memorable in the history of 



16 

Connecticut for the *war with the Pequot Indians 
— one ■ of the most warlike and haughty tribes in 
New-England. Previous to the breaking out of 
the war, the Pequots had much annoyed the En- 
glish, and murdered a number of them, whereupon 
a court was summoned at Hartford who deter- 
mined upon a war with the Pequots. Ninety men 
were mustered from the towns of Hartford, Wind- 
sor and Wethersfield, being about half of the effec- 
tive force of the whole colony. This expedition 
was commanded by Capt. Mason, assisted by Capt. 
Underhill. After an address from the Rev. Mr. 
Hooker, and being joined by Uncas the sachem of 
the Mohegans, they all proceeded down the river 
to Saybrook where they formed their plan of 
operations. 

It was determined to attack the enemy in one 
of their principal forts (in the present town of Ston- 
ington,) where Sassacus their chief sachem had 
retired. Previous to the attack, Capt. Mason was 
joined by about five hundred Narraganset Indians, 
who, when they understood that they were to fight 
Sassacus, they betrayed much fear and retired 
to the rear, saying " Sassacus zvas all one a god, 
and nobody could kill him!' 

The time fixed on at length arrived — the dawn 
of the 26th of May which was to decide the fate of 



17 

the Colony of Connecticut. The barking of a dog, 
when within a few rods of the fort announced their 
approach and aroused the Pequot centinel, who 
cried out Owannux! Owannux ! i. e. Englishmen! 
Englishmen ! The Captains followed by their men, 
courageously pressed forward, found an entrance, 
and fired upon the enemy in the fort who made a 
desperate resistance. The destruction of the Pe- 
quots was terrible, yet the victory seemed doubtful. 
Captain Mason (who with his men were now nearly 
exhausted) seized a fire-brand and set fire to a wig- 
wam, of which there were many in the fort, cover- 
ed with mats and other combustible materials. The 
fire assisted by the wind spread rapidly, and directly 
the whole fort was in a flame. The roar and crack- 
ling of the flames with the yells of savages, and the 
discharge of musketry, formed an awful and terrific 
scene 1 The troops who had now formed outside 
of the fort, with the friendly Indians who had by 
this time gathered courage to approach, surrounded 
the enemy and fired upon those who attempted to 
escape. 

The work of destruction was complete ; of five 
or six hundred Pequots, only seven or eight escar- 
ped — the rest were either shot or perished in the 
flames. The loss of the English was only two kil- 
led and sixteen wounded. 

9* 



n 

(11.) Elliot the Indian Missionary. 

Mr. John Elliot, a native of England, the inde- 
fatigable Missionary to the Indians, came over to 
New-England in 1632. 

Moved with compassion, when beholding the 
wretchedness and degradation of the Indians, his 
first labours were to learn their language which was 
peculiarly difficult to acquire. He then with much 
labour translated the whole Bible into the Indian 
tongue. This Bible was printed in 1664 at Cam- 
bridge, and was the first Bible ever printed in 
America. He also translated several religious 
works and catechisms into their language. Hav- 
ing performed many wearisome journeys and en- 
dured many hardships and privations, this devoted 
and Apostolical Missionary closed his labours in 
1690, aged eighty six years. 

The ardour and zeal of Messrs. Elliot, Mayhew, 
and others were crowned with such success, that 
in 1 660 there were ten towns of Indians^in Massa- 
chusetts who were converted to the Christian Re- 
ligion. In 1695 there were not less than three 
thousand adult Indian converts in the islands of 
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 



C^nnaeetTiCMt 




Ma g g adhuus ett i 




19 

[12.] King Philips War, 
(attack on brookfield.) 

In the year 1675, Philip, Sachem of the Wamp* 
anoags, and grand-son of Massasoit, began the most 
general and destructive war ever waged by the 
Indians upon the infant colonies. He resided a 
Mount Hope, in the present town of Bristol, in 
Rhode Island. 

It is supposed that his object was the entire ex- 
tinction of the colonists, who were now rapidly 
extending their settlements. The immediate cause 
of the war was this : Sausaman, an Indian Mission- 
ary, had made a discovery of Philip's plots to the 
English, for which Philip caused him to be mur- 
dered. The murderers were tried and executed 
by the English. This roused the anger of Philip, 
who immediately commenced hostilities, and by 
his influence drew into the war most of the Indian 
tribes in New England. 

Philip fled to the Nipmucks, a tribe of Indians 
in that part of Massachusetts which is now called 
Worcester County, and persuaded them to assist 
him. The English sent a party also to this tribe to 
renew a former treaty, but Philip's influence pre^ 
vailed, and this party was way-laid, and eight of 
their number killed. The remainder fled to Brook- 
field, pursued by the Indians into the town. Eve«y 



20 

bouse in this^place was burnt by the Indians except 
one into which the inhabitants had fled for refuge, 
and this was soon surrounded by their foes, and for 
two days they poured into its walls a shower of 
musket balls. Only one person, however, was 
killed. Brands and rags dipped in brimstone at- 
tached to the ends of long poles were used to fire 
the house ; arrows of fire were shot against it, and 
a cart of tow and other combustibles, was with long 
poles pushed against the house and the savages stood 
ready to slaughter all who should attempt to escape. 
At this awful and critical moment a sudden tor- 
rent of rain extinguished the kindling flames. Ma- 
jor Willard soon after came to their assistance- 
raised the siege, and after some slaughter of the 
^enemy, compelled them to retreat 



(13.) Swamp Fight. 

Lest Philip should increase his power by an al- 
liance with the Narragansett Indians, the English 
had made a friendly treaty with them in July, 
1675. But notwithstanding this, in December of 
the same year it was discovered that they were 
secretly aiding Philip's paity. This determined 
the English to undertake a winter expedition 
Against them. For this object the colony of Mas- 



n 

sachusetts furnished five hundred and twenty-seven 
men, Plymouth one hundred and fifty-nine, and 
Connecticut three hundred: to all these were 
attached one hundred and fifty Mohegan Indians- 
After electing Josiah Winslow, governor of Ply- 
mouth colony, to be their commander, the whole 
party met at Pettyquamsquot. About sixteen miles 
from this place it was found that the Narragan- 
setts had built a strong fort in the midst of a large 
swamp, upon a piece of dry land of about five or 
six acres. This fort was a circle of pallisadoes sur- 
rounded by a fence of trees which was about one 
rod thick. 

On the 19th of December, 1675, at dawn of day, 
the English took up their march through a deep 
snow, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon attack- 
ed the Indians in their fortress. The only entrance 
which appeared practicable, was over a log or 
tree which lay up 5 or 6 feet from the ground, and 
this opening was commanded by a sort of a block 
house in front. The Massachusetts men, led on 
by their captains, first rushed into the fort, but 
the enemy from the block house and other places 
opened so furious a fire upon them that they were 
obliged to retreat. Many men were killed in this 
assault, and among them Captains Johnson and 
Davenport. The whole army then made a united 
onset. The conflict was terrible, some of the bra- 



22 

vest captains fell and victory seemed doubtful. At 
this crisis, some of the Connecticut men ran to the 
opposite side of the fort where there were no pal- 
lisades, they sprang in and opened a brisk and well 
directed fire upon the backs of the enemy. This 
decided the contest. The Indians were driven 
from the block house and from one covert to anoth- 
er until they were wholly destroyed or dispersed 
in the wilderness. As they retreated the soldiers 
set fire to their wigwams (about six hundred in 
number,) which were consumed by the flames. 
In this action it was computed that about seven 
hundred fighting Indians perished, and among 
them twenty of their chiefs. Three hundred more 
died from their wounds — To these numbers may 
be added many old men, women and children 
who had retired to this fort as a place of undoubt- 
ed security. 

" The burning of the wigwams, the shrieks of 
the women and children, the yelling of the war- 
riors, exhibited a most horrible and affecting scene, 
so that it greatly moved some of the soldiers. They 
were in much doubt whether the burning of their 
enemies alive, could be consistent with humanity 
and the benevolent principles of the gospel." 

From this blow the Indians never recovered. 
The victory of the English though complete was 
dearly purchased ; six of their captains and eighty 



23 



of their men were killed or mortally wounded, 
and 150 were wounded who afterwards recov* 
ered. About half of the loss in this bloody fight 
fell upon the Connecticut soldiers. 



(14.) Death of King Philip. 

The finishing stroke was given to the Indian 
power in New-England by the death of Philip, 
August 12th, 1676. 

Failing in his attempts to rouse the Mohawk 
tribe to war with the English he returned to Mount 
Hope — the tide of war against him. The English 
had killed or captured his brother, councillors, and 
chief warriors, his wife and family, and he was 
obliged to flee from one lurking place to another 
from the pursuit of his foes. Firm and unbroken 
amidst all his misfortunes, he would listen to 
no proposals of peace. He even shot one of 
his own men for daring to suggest it. 

Captain Church, who for his courage and enter= 
!>rise in this war had acquired renown, received in- 
formation that Philip was in a swamp near Mount 
Hope. To this place he marched immediately 
vith a party of men whom he placed in ambush 
ibout the swamp, with orders not to move until 
daylight, that they might distinguish Philip. Cap- 



24 

tain Church confident of success, took Major San* 
ford by the hand, exclaiming, " It is scarcely pos- 
sible that Philip should escape ;" at this moment 
a bullet whistled over their heads, and a volley 
followed. Immediately Philip with his powder- 
horn and gun ran fiercely towards a spot where 
lay concealed a white man and a friendly Indian. 
The Englishman levelled his gun at Philip, but 
it missed fire. The Indian ally then fired. The 
bullet entered the heart of Philip, and he fell on 
his face in the mire of the swamp. By the order 
of Captain Church his body was drawn from the 
place where he fell, — beheaded and quartered. 
The Indian who executed this order, taking his 
hatchet, thus addressed the body of Philip : — 
i: You have been one very great man — You have 
made a many a man afraid of you — but so big 
as you be I will chop you in pieces." 

" Thus fell a brave chieftain who defended him- 
self, and what he imagined to be the just rights of 
his countrymen to the last extremity." 



(15.) The Regicides. 

Soon after the restoration of the monarchy in 
England, many of the judges who had condemned 
King Charles I. to death, were apprehended, 



FJ!M>ae Island 




2a 

Thirty were condemned and ten were executed as 
traitors ; two of them, Colonels Goffe and Whal- 
ley made their escape to New-England and ar- 
rived in Boston in July, 1660. They were gentle- 
men of worth, and were much esteemed by the 
colonists for their unfeigned piety. Their man- 
ners and appearance were dignified, "commanding 
universal respect. Whalley had been a Lieutenant 
General, and Goffe a Major General, in Crom- 
well's army. An order for their apprehension from 
Charles II. reached New England soon after their 
arrival. The King's commissioners, eager to ex- 
ecute this order, compelled the judges to resort to 
the woods and caves and other hiding places ; and 
they would undoubtedly have been taken had not 
the colonists secretly aided and assisted them in 
their concealments. Sometimes the} found a ref- 
uge in a cave on a mountain near New-Haven, 
at others in cellars of the houses of their friends, 
and once they were secreted under the neck bridge 
in New-Haven, while their pursuers crossed the 
bridge on horseback. After many hair breadth es- 
capes the pursuit was given over, and they were 
finally suffered to die a natural death in their 

exile. 

3 



26 

(16.) William Penn. 

The territory of Pennsylvania was granted to 
William Penn, from whom it derives its name. 
This grant was made by King Charles II. of Eng- 
land, in 1681, in consideration of service rendered 
to the crown by the father of Penn, who was an 
admiral in the English navy. In October, 1682, 
•William Penn arrived in the Delaware, with his 
colony of Friends or Quakers. He purchased of 
the natives the land where he proposed to build 
his capital, which he called Philadelphia, or the 
seat of brotherly love. William Penn gave the In- 
dians a satisfactory equivalent for all the lands 
which he obtained : and when he paid them, he 
administered such wholesome council and ad- 
vice as proved salutary to the natives, and great- 
ly endeared him to their affections. The treaty 
of peace which he concluded with them in 1682 
lasted more than seventy years. He parcelled 
out his lands at moderate rents, gave free tol- 
eration to all religious sects, enacted mild and 
equitable laws, and thus invited a rapid settle- 
ment of the colony. The respect and affection 
which the natives had for Penn and those of his 
religious tenets was so great that it is related as 
a fact that in their wars with the whites, they 
never killed a Quaker knowing him to be such. 



27 
(17.) Preservation of the Charter of Connecticut. 

The colonies were often alarmed at the arbi- 
trary proceedings of the King and his council, who 
made many laws to abridge their freedom. One of 
their objects was to procure a repeal or surrender 
of all the patents granted to the colonies, and to 
place a governor general over the whole. 

Sir Edmond Andross was appointed the first 
governor general over New-England, and arrived 
at Boston in December, 1686. From this place 
he wrote to the colony of Connecticut to resign 
their charter ; but without success. In October, 
1687, while the Assembly were in session, Governor 
Andross with his suite and sixty regular troops ar- 
rived in Hartford and demanded their charter. Ex- 
tremely unwilling to surrender it, the Assembly 
purposely continued their debates until evening, 
when the charter was brought in and laid upon 
the table. By this time a concourse was assem- 
bled, and among them were men sufficiently bold 
to execute whatever might be deemed expedient. 
A cloth was thrown over the candles which ex- 
tinguished the lights, and the charter was seized 
by Captain Wadsworth and secreted in a large 
hollow oak, which tree is still standing in the city 
of Hartford. — Sir Edmond was unable to obtain 
the charter, or to discover who had taken it ; he, 



28 



however, assumed the government, and closed the 
records of the colony. 



(18.) Destruction of Schenectady, by the French 
and Indians. 

In the war between England and France in the 
year 1689, the French, who then possessed Canada, 
instigated the Indians to hostilities against the col- 
onies. A detachment of between two and three 
hundred French and Indians were sent from Mon- 
treal against the frontiers of New-York. A march 
of more than twenty days in the depth of winter 
brought them to Schenectady, February 8th, 1690. 

In this march they had been reduced to such 
straits that they had thoughts of surrendering 
themselves prisoners of war. But their scouts 
brought to them information that the inhabitants 
were in a state of unsuspecting security, and this 
determined them to attack them. On Saturday 
night about eleven o'clock, they entered the town 
through an unguarded point, and that they might 
invest every house at the sarne time, they divided 
into parties of six or seven men each. The in- 
habitants were in a profound sleep and unalarmed 
until the enemy had broken open their doors. In 
this dreadful surprise and consternation successful 



33 
(22.) Braddock' s Defeat 

The encroachments of the French, and the erec- 
tion by them of a chain of forts on the back settle- 
ments of the colonies, occasioned the British minis- 
try to take measures to possess themselves of these 
forts, and to drive the French from the country. 

In the spring of 1755, General Braddock arrived 
in Virginia with two regiments, and was soon 
joined by Colonel Washington (afterwards Gene- 
ral Washington,) with a body of colonial troops : 
the whole force, two thousand men, took up 
their march for the French fort on the Ohio. 
General Braddock on the 9th July, with twelve 
hundred of his troops was within seven miles of Du 
Quesne, a French fortress which stood where Pitts- 
burg is now built. Here Colonel Washington, who 
understood the mode of Indian warfare better than 
his general, requested him to reconnoitre with his 
Virginia riflemen. But General Braddock, who 
held the American officers in contempt, rejected 
Washington's council, and swelling with rage, re- 
plied with an oath, " High times ! High times ! when 
a young buckskin can teach a British General how to 
fight." The troops advanced in heavy columns, 
and passing a narrow defile they fell into an ambush 
of French and Indians, who opened a deadly fire 
upon the English and American troops, who were 



34 

obliged to fire at random as they could not see 
their foe. 

Braddock continued to urge on his men until he 
was mortally wounded, and about seven hundred 
men were killed, including many of his principal 
officers. Colonel Washington now covered the re- 
treat of the regulars, and saved them from entire 
destruction. 



(23.) Stamp Act. 

The British Parliament in the year 1765, for the 
purpose of raising a revenue from the colonies, 
passed the famous stamp act : which ordained that 
all instruments of writing, as contracts, deeds, notes, 
&c. should not be valid, unless executed on stamped 
paper, on which a duty should be paid. This alar- 
med the- colonies and awakened their indignation. 
They determined to resist the execution of the 
law. The 1st November, 1765, was the day on 
which this act was to take effect. " In Boston the 
bells toiled, the shops were shut, effigies of the 
royalists were carried about in derision and torn in 
pieces. At Portsmouth, the bells tolled, a coffin 
was made, on the lid was inscribed " Liberty, aged 
145," and with unbraced drums and minute guns 
a procession followed it to the grave. At the close 



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resistance was impossible, and this wretched peo- 
ple were aroused from their midnight slumbers to 
endure the perpetration of savage and inhuman 
barbarities, too shocking here to record. Sixty of 
the inhabitants were killed and twenty taken off 
captives. To crown their work the enemy set on 
fire the village, killed most of the cattle and the 
horses, and those which were spared they drove off 
laden with plunder. Those of the people who es- 
caped, fled almost naked through a deep snow, and 
in a heavy storm twenty-five of whom lost the use of 
(heir limbs by the severe frost. 



(19.) Salem Witchcraft. 

The year 1692 is memorable in New England for 
the convulsion produced in Salem and its vicinity 
by the supposed prevalence of Witchcraft. Many 
were supposed to be be-witched, and would com- 
plain of being bitten, pinched, pricked with pins, 
&c. ; some declared that they beheld a spec- 
tural representation of the person who they said 
was the cause of their affliction. Some were struck 
dumb, others had their limbs distorted in a shock- 
ing manner, sometimes running on their hands and 
feet, creeping through holes and under chairs, ta- 

3* 



30 

bles, &c. ; barking like a dog, with other actions 
equally strange and unaccountable. Upon the ac- 
cusation and testimony of persons thus afflicted, 
many were imprisoned, and nineteen were ex- 
ecuted for practising witchcraft, most of whom died 
professing their innocence. The evil became 
alarming, but the magistrates finally acquitted 
those who were accused and the menacing storm 
blew over to the great joy of the inhabitants. 

At this period a belief in witchcraft was not con- 
fined to New-England. Sir Matthew Hale, and 
many eminent men in England were far from con- 
sidering it a contemptible superstition. 



(20.) Great Snow Storm. 

In February 1717, fell the greatest snow ever 
known in this country or perhaps in any other. 
So deep was the snow that the people stepped out 
of their chamber-windows on snow shoes ; with this 
fall of snow there was a terrible tempest. Eleven 
hundred sheep, the property of one man, were 
found dead ; one flock of a hundred on Fishers' 
Island were found buried sixteen feet in the snow, 
two of them only were alive, they having subsisted 
on the wool of their companions twenty-eight day^ 
after the storm. 



31 
(21.) Invasion of Georgia. 

In 1742, two years after the declaration of war 
by England against Spain, the Spaniards attacked 
Georgia. A Spanish armament, consisting of 
thirty-two sail, with three thousand men, under 
command of Don Manuel de Monteano, sailed 
from St. Augustine, and arrived in the river Alta- 
maha. The expedition, although fitted out at 
great expense, failed of accomplishing its object 

General Oglethorpe was at this time at fort 
Simons. Finding himself unable to retain posses- 
sion of it, having but about seven hundred men. 
he spiked his cannon, and, destroying his military 
stores, retreated to his head-quarters at Frederica, 

On the first prospect of an invasion, General 
Oglethorpe had applied to the governor of South 
Carolina for assistance, but the Carolinians, fear- 
ing for the safety of their own territory, and not 
approving of general Oglethorpe's management in 
his late expedition against St. Augustine, declined 
furnishing troops, but voted supplies. 

In this state of danger and perplexity, the gen- 
eral resorted to stratagem. A French soldier be- 
longing to his army deserted to the enemy. Fear- 
ing the consequences of their learning his weak- 
ness, he devised a plan by which to destroy the 
credit of any information that the deserter might 
give 



32 

With this view, he wrote a letter to the French de- 
serter in the Spanish camp, addressing him as if he 
were a spy of the English. This letter he bribed a 
Spanish captive to deliver, in which he directed the 
deserter to state to the Spaniards, that he was in a 
weak and defenceless condition, and to urge them 
on to an attack. 

Should he not be able, however, to persuade 
them to this, he wished him to induce them to con- 
tinue three days longer at their quarters, in which 
time he expected two thousand men, and six British 
men of war, from Carolina. The above letter, as 
was intended, was delivered to the Spanish general, 
instead of the deserter, who immediately put the 
latter in irons. 

A council of war was called, and while delibera- 
ting upon the measures which should be taken, 
three supply ships, which had been voted by Caro- 
na, appeared in sight. Imagining these to be 
the men of war alluded to in the letter, the Span- 
iards, in great haste, fired the fort, and embarked, 
leaving behind them several cannon, and a quan- 
tity of provisions. By this artful, but unjustifiable 
expedient, the country was relieved of its invaders, 
and Georgia, and probably a great part of South 
Carolina, was saved from ruin. 

Goodrich's History of the United States.- 



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36 

of an oration the coffin was taken up, signs of life 
appeared in the corpse, Liberty revived, was sub- 
stituted, the bells struck a cheerful key, joy spark- 
led in every countenance." 

Similar proceedings occurred in other parts of 
the colonies, and the obnoxious act was shortly af- 
ter repealed. 



(24.) Destruction of Tea in Boston. 

The British ministry still persisting in their right, 
to tax the colonies, had for this purpose given per- 
mission to the East India Company to ship a large 
quantity of Teas to America, charged with duty. 
The Americans fixed in their opposition to the 
principal of taxation in any shape, opposed the 
landing of the tea. In New- York and in Philadel- 
phia, the cargoes sent out were returned without 
being entered at the Custom Houses. In Boston* 
the tea being consigned to the Royal Governor 
(Hutchinson) the populace disguised in the dress of 
Indians, went on board of the tea ships and threw 
about 340 chests into the sea. Intelligence of this 
transaction reached the British ministry, and in 
1774, they passed an act to restrain all intercourse 
by water, with the town of Boston, by closing the 



36 

port. They also removed the government and pub- 
lic offices to Salem. 



(25.) Battle of Lexington. 

Determined to reduce the rebellious colonies to 
submission, the British ministry transported a force 
of 10,000 men, who were stationed at Boston. 

On the night of the 18th of April, 1775, Gen, 
Gage, the King's governor of Massachusetts, de- 
tached a body of 800 men, with orders to march 
to Concord, and destroy the military stores collect- 
ed by the Americans at that place. Their move- 
ments were discovered, and the country alarmed. 
Early in the morning, about 170 of the Lexington 
militia had assembled on the green. Major Pit- 
cairn who commanded the detachment of British 
troops, rode up to the militia, and addressing them 
as rebels ordered them to disperse. Not being 
obeyed, Pitcairn discharged his pistol, and ordered 
his men to lire. Eight of the Americans were kil- 
led and several wounded. The British proceed- 
ed to Concord, destroyed the stores, and returned 
to Boston, closely followed by the exasperated 
Americans, who from behind fences and walls, fired 
upon their rear. Had not the British had a rein- 



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forcement at Lexington, it is doubtful whether any 
of them had reached Boston. 

Thus began the contest which dismembered the 
British empire, and ended in the establishment of 
the independence of our country. 



(26.) Battle of Bunker's Hill. 

On the evening of June 16, 1775, about 1000 
militia, mostly from Massachusetts and Connect- 
icut, and one artillery company were detached 
from the American camp, to fortify Bunker Hill, an 
eminence near the town of Boston. At this hill 
they halted, but concluded to advance to an adja- 
cent height, called Breed's Hill, which was nearer 
to the enemy, and thought to be a more command- 
ing position. 

Here about midnight, they silently began throw- 
ing up a redoubt, which they completed about noon, 
the next day. The British unable by their cannon- 
ades to dislodge the Americans from their strong 
hold, between two and three o'clock, advanced in 
two columns for the attack. The Americans re- 
served their fire while the enemy were advancing, 
until they were sufficiently near to make their aim 
sure. When within about eight rods of the breast- 
work, a shower of bullets were poured in upon them, 



38 

and repeated with such effect, that hundreds of the 
assailants fell, and the remainder retreated in dis- 
may. The fire from the British ships and batteries 
which had been incessant, was now renewed, with 
increased vigour ; and the British officers rallied 
their men and again advanced. The fire of the 
Americans was again reserved, for a still nearer ap- 
proach, — and again they let fly a shower of balls 
upon the foe, who completely routed, fled a second 
time to the banks of the river. The British officers 
were unable to rally their men for a third attack, 
one third of their comrades had fallen, and it was 
not until a reinforcement of 1000 men with 
artillery had joined them from Boston, that they 
could be persuaded to make a third assault. With 
these fresh troops, they entered the redoubt with 
fixed bayonets, and after much slaughter on both 
sides, the American militia being nearly exhaust- 
ed, retreated to Bunker Hill, when some fresh militia 
coming up covered their retreat, and the remnant 
of this brave band crossed Charlestown neck, about 
7 o'clock. Among the dead, the Americans had 
to lament the brave and patriotic Warren — he was 
shot in the head by a musket ball, sometime after 
the word was given to retreat, and immediately ex- 
pired.* 

* For a more minute account of the battle of Bunker 
Hilly see the appendix. A. 



39 



( 27.) Washington Commander in Chief of the Amer- 
ican Army. 

The first general congress consisted- of delegates 
from twelve colonies, and convened at Philadel- 
phia on the 5th of Sept. 1774. They published a 
declaration of their rights, sent a petition to the king, 
and addresses to the British people. In May, 1775, 
Congress, agreeable to adjournment, convened 
again. Hostilities having been commenced, it was 
a point of vital importance to the American cause, 
to select a proper person for commander in chief of 
the American forces. 

On the 15th of June of this year, George Wash- 
ington, a delegate from Virginia, was by the unan- 
imous voice of Congress, appointed to this impor- 
tant station. Soon after his appointment, Washing- 
ton repaired to the army who were besieging Bos- 
ton, and was received with profound respect and 
joyful acclamation. 

The American army had so closely besieged 
Boston, that the British evacuated the town on the 
17th of March, 1776, taking with them about 1500 
of the inhabitants, who for their adherence to the 
British cause, feared the resentment of their coun- 
trymen. Gen. Washington immediately entered 
Boston. 



40 
(28.) Declaration of Independence. 

[SCENE AT NEW-YORK.] 

The British government viewing the American 
people as rebels, had placed them out of their pro- 
tection, employed foreign mercenaries to assist in 
subduing them, and by numerous oppressive acts, 
had provoked them to broach the subject of their 
independence of the British crown. Accordingly 
the subject was brought before Congress, but some 
of the members of that body being absent they post- 
poned the consideration of it to the 1st of July; 
when they met and appointed Thomas Jefferson, 
John Adams, Benj. Franklin, Roger Sherman, and 
Philip Livingston, to frame the declaration of Inde- 
pendence. Their report (which was drafted by 
Mr. Jefferson,) was read and accepted, and Con- 
gress declared the United States free and inde- 
pendent July 4, 1776. "This declaration was 
received by the people, with transports of joy and 
public rejoicings in various parts of the union. In 
New-York, the statue of George III was taken 
down and the lead of which it was composed was 
converted into musket balls." 

(29.) Battle of Trenton. 
The summer and fall of 1776, was the most 
gloomy period of the American revolution. Gen. 



w^brlsi 




JSTew-Jeffgex 




41 

Washington had been obliged to retreat from Long 
Island to New-York, thence over the Hudson to 
New Jersey, and through New Jersey to Pennsyl- 
vania, vigorously pursued by an enemy, flushed 
w'th a seiies of success. The retreat through New 
Jersey, was attended with circumstances of a pain- 
ful and trying nature. Washington's army which 
had consisted of 30,000 men, was now diminished 
to scarcely 3,000 and these were without supplies, 
without pay, and many of them without shoes or 
comfortable clothing. Their footsteps were stain- 
ed with their blood, as they fled before the enemy. 
The aflairs of the Americans, seemed in such a des- 
perate condition, that those who had been the most 
confident of success, began desparingly to give up 
all as lost. Many Americans joined the British 
and took protections from them. In this season of 
general despondency, the American Congress, re- 
commended to each of the states, to observe " a day 
of solemn fasting and humiliation before God." 

Gen. Washington saw the necessity of making a 
desperate effort for the salvation of his country. 
On the night of the 25th of December, 1776, the 
American army recrossed the Delaware, which was 
filled with pieces of floating ice, and marched to 
attack a division of Hessians who had advanced to 
Trenton. The sun had just risen, as the tents of 
the enemy appeared in sight. No time was to be 



4- 

lost — Washington rising on his stirrups, waved his 
sword towards the hostile army, and exclaimed, 
" There, my brave friends, are the enemies of your 
country ! and now all I have to ask of you is to re- 
member what you are about to fight for ! March! ! 
The troops animated by their commander, pres- 
sed on to the charge — the Hessians were ta- 
ken by surprise, and before they could form the 
contest was decided : about 1 000 were taken pris- 
oners, and 40 killed, among whom was their com- 
mander (a German officer) Col. Rahl. 



;®»* 



(30.) Murder of Miss McCrea. 

Previous to the American revolution, there resi- 
ded near fort Edward an accomplished young man 
named Jones, and a young lady by the name of 
McCrea, between whom a strong attachment sub- 
isted. Upon the breaking out of war Mr. Jones 
who favoured the royalists, fled into Canada. 
Thence he accompanied the expedition of Bur- 
goyne into the States. When the British army 
were within about three miles of fort Edward, Mr. 
Jones found means secretly to inform Miss McCrea 
of his approach : he entreated her not to leave the 
place, and informed her that as soon as the fort had 



43 

surrendered he would seek an asylum where they 
might peaceably consummate the nuptial ceremony. 
Confiding in her lover Miss McCrea heroically refu- 
sed to follow the flying villagers. The tears and in- 
treaties of her parents and friends availed nothing. 
Mr. Jones anxious to possess his intended bride, 
despatched a party of Indians to convey her to the 
British army, and offered to reward them for their 
service with a barrel of rum. The Indians brought 
a letter from her lover, and also his horse to convey 
Miss McCrea; she scrupled not to place herself 
under their protection, and accordingly set out for 
the British camp. When about half way a second 
party of Indians hearing of the captivating offer 
made by Mr. Jones, determined to avail themselves 
of the reward. A bloody strife ensued, in which 
some of the Indians were killed, when the chief of 
the first party to decide the contest, with his toma- 
hawk knocked the lady from her horse, tore off her 
scalp and bore it as a trophy to her anxious and 
impatient lover ! Humanity revolted at the atrocity 
of the deed ! The tale tingled in the ears of the 
American people, exasperated them against the 
British and their savage allies, and probably accel- 
erated the downfall of Burgoyne. 



44 



(31.) Capture of General Burgoyne. 

(AT SARATOGA.) 

In 1777, General Burgoyne with an army of seven 
thousand chosen men and a large body of Indians, 
invaded the northern states from Canada, with a 
view to intercept all communication between the 
northern and southern states. 

In June he crossed the lake and took possession 
of Ticonderoga, a fortress on the southern shores 
of lake Champlain, which had been abandoned by 
the Americans. General Burgoyne crossed the 
Hudson on the 13th and 14th of September, with a 
view to penetrate to Albany, but at Saratoga he 
was held in check by the American army under 
General Gates, who was daily reinforced by militia 
from all parts of New-England. After two severe 
actions General Burgoyne was inclosed in a narrow 
pass, with the Hudson on one side, a body of Amer- 
icans in his rear — his boats he had ordered to be 
burnt, and he could not retreat while an army of 
thirteen thousand men opposed him in front, and he 
was forced to surrender his whole army of five 
thousand and seven hundred effective men on the 
17th October, 1777.* 

*The particulars of this engagement as related by Gen- 
eral Wilkinson, see the Appendix B. 



Hiew-^biclk. 




CoTaiiLe^ti^iDLt; 




45 

(32.) General Putnam s escape at Horseneck. 

About the middle of the winter of 1778, General 
Putnam, a bold and veteran officer, was on a visit 
to his outpost at Horseneck, where he found Tryon 
the British Governor advancing upon that place with 
a corps of fifteen hundred men. To oppose this 
force General Putnam had only a force of one hun- 
dred and fifty men with two iron field pieces, with- 
out horses or dragropes. Having planted his can- 
non on an eminence, he fired until the enemy's horse 
(supported by infantry) were about to charge ; he 
then ordered his men to shelter theihselves in a 
neighbouring swamp inaccessible to the enemy's 
cavalry — and putting spurs to his horse, he plunged 
down a precipice so steep that about one hundred 
stone steps or stairs had been constructed for the 
accommodation of foot passengers. The British 
dragoons who were but a sword's length from him, 
not daring to follow, stopped, and before they could 
gain the valley Putnam was far beyond their reach. 



(33.) Storming ofStoney Point. 

The reduction of this place, July 15, 1779, was 
one of the most bold enterprises which occurred in 



46 

the Revolutionary war. (Stoney point is 40 miles 
north of New- York, on the Hudson.) 

" At this time Stoney Point was in the condition 
of a real fortress, it was furnished with a select gar- 
rison of more than 600 men, and had stores in 
abundance, and defensive preparations which were 
formidable. Fortified as it was, Gen. Washington 
ventured an attempt to reduce it. The enterprise 
was committed to Gen. Wayne, who with a strong 
detachment of active infantry, set out towards the 
place at noon. His march of fourteen miles over 
high mountains, through deep morasses, and diffi- 
cult defiles, was accomplished by eight o'clock in 
the evening. 

" At the distance of a mile from the point, Gen. 
Wayne halted and formed his men into two col- 
umns, putting himself at the head of the right 
Both columns were directed to march in order and 
silence, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. 
At midnight they arrived under the walls of the 
fort* 

" An unexpected obstacle now presented itself: 
the deep morass which covered the works, was at 
this time overflowed by the tide. The English 
opened a tremendous fire of musketry and of cannon 
loaded with grape shot : but neither the inundated 
morass, nor a double palisade, nor the storm of fire 
* Goodrich's United Stoles. 



47 

that poured upon them, could arrest the impetuosity 
of the Americans ; they opened their way with the 
bayonet, prostrated whatever opposed them, scaled 
the fort, and the two columns met in the centre of 
the works. The English lost upwards of 600 men 
in killed and prisoners. The conquerors abstain- 
ed from pillage, and from all disorder ; a conduct 
the more worthy as they had still present in mind, 
the ravages and butcheries which their enemies 
had so recently committed in Virginia and Con- 
necticut. Humanity imparted new effulgence to 
the victory which valour had attained."! 



(34.) Capture of Andre. 

In the year 1780, a plot fraught with much dan- 
ger to the American cause, was happily discovered, 
This plot originated with Arnold, a general in the 
American army, who by his extravagance and over 
bearing behaviour, had brought upon himself a rep- 
rimand from the American Congress. Of a tem- 
per too impetuous to bear reproof, Arnold bent on 
revenge, entered into a negotiation through Major 
John Andre, adjutant general in the British army, 

f Botta's Revolution. 



48 

to deliver up to the enemy the important post of 
West Point, of which Arnold had the command. 

Andre proceeded in disguise to West Point, 
drew a plan of the fortress, concerted with Arnold, 
and agreed upon the manner and time of attack. 
Having obtained a passport, and assumed the 
name of Anderson, Andre set out on his return to 
New York by land. He passed all the outposts of 
the American army without suspicion. Supposing 
himself now out of danger, he pressed forward elated 
with the prospect of the speedy execution of a plot 
which was to give the finishing blow to liberty in 
America. 

But, mark the hand of Providence, — about 30 
miles from New-York, as Andre was entering a 
village called Tarry Town, three militia men, who 
happened that way, John Paulding, David Williams, 
and Isaac Van Wert, seized the bridle of his horse, 
and accosted him with " Where are you bound ?" 
Andre supposing that they were of the British, did 
not immediately show his passport, but waving 
their question, asked them, " where they belonged 
to?" they replied " to below," (referring to the 
course of the river, and implying that they were of 
the British party.) " And so do /," said Andre, (.con- 
firmed in his mistake by this stratagem,) at the same 
time informed them that he was a British officer, 
on urgent business, and must not be detained. 



[Mew-YonrTk 




Kew-lGbTck: 




49 

H You belong to our enemies," exclaimed the militia 
men, "and we arrest you." Andre struck with as- 
tonishment, presented his passport, but this after 
what had passed, only rendered his case the more 
suspicious. He then offered them a purse of gold, 
his horse, and watch, besides a large reward from 
the British government, if they would but liberate 
him. But these soldiers though poor and obscure, 
were not to be bribed. They searched him and 
found concealed in his boot, papers which evidenced 
his guilt, and they immediately conducted him to 
Col. Jameson, their comanding officer. 

Andre was tried by a board of general officers of 
the American army, and executed as a spy, at Tap • 
pan, N. Y. October 2. He was a young officer, 
high minded, brave, accomplished, and humane, 
He suffered with fortitude, and his fate excited the 
universal sympathy of all parties. 



(35.) Surrender of Cornwallis. 

The 19th of October, 1781, was rendered memo- 
rable by the surrender of the British army consist- 
ing of 7000 men under Cornwallis at Yorktown, Va. 
This joyful event decided the Revolutionary con- 
test, and laid the foundation for a general peace 
About the last of August, Count de Grasse with a 
5 



50 

French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake and blocks 
ed up the British troops who had fortified them- 
selves at Yorktown. 

Previous to this, the American and French troops 
under Gen. Washington had moved to the south- 
ward ; and as soon as he heard of the arrival of 
the French fleet, made rapid marches to the head 
of Elk river, where embarking, the troops soon ar- 
rived at Yorktown. A close siege was now com- 
menced, and carried on with such ardour and de- 
termination by the American and French troops, 
that Cornwallis was forced to surrender. 

The spectacle of the surrender was impressive 
and affecting, The road through which the cap* 
tive army marched was lined with spectators. On 
one side, Gen. Washington with the American 
stafT took their station, on the opposite side was 
the count de Rochambeau with the French staff. 

" The captive army approached moving slowly 
in column with grace and precision. Universal 
silence was observed amidst the vast concourse, 
and the utmost decency prevailed ; exhibiting in 
demeanour an awful sense of the vicissitudes of 
human life, mingled with commiseration for the 
unhappy." 

Lord Cornwallis, unable to endure the humilia- 
tion of marching at the head of his troops, appoint- 
ed Gen. O'Hara his representative, who delivered 



51 

up the sword of Cornwallis to the American Com- 
mander in Chief. 



(36.) General Washington taking leave of the Army. 

The storm of the revolution had subsided, the 
definitive treaty was signed on the 30th of Septem- 
ber, 1783, and the 3d of November was fixed on by 
Congress for disbanding the United States' Army : 
on the day preceding General Washington gave an 
affectionate farewell to the soldiers who during 
"the times that tried mens souls" had fought by his 
side. " Being now," he said in his address to the 
army, " to conclude these my last public orders, to 
take my ultimate leave in a short time of the mili- 
tary character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies 
I have so long had the honour to command, I can 
only again offer in your behalf, my recommenda- 
tions to our grateful country and my prayer to the 
God of armies — May ample justice be done you 
here and may the choicest favour both here and 
hereafter, attend those who under the divine auspi- 
ces, have secured innumerable blessings for others ! 
With these wishes and this benediction the com- 
mander in chief is about to retire from service. The 
curtain of separation will soon be drawn, and the 
military scene will be closed forever," 



92 , 

The officers of the army assembled at New-York 
—Washington was there also, and at parting thus 
addressed them : " With a heart full of love and 
gratitude, I now take my leave of you. I most de- 
voutly wish that your latter days may be as prospe- 
rous and happy as your former ones have been glo- 
rious and honourable." Taking each by the hand, 
he bade them farewell. They then accompanied 
him to the shore of the Hudson where he was re- 
ceived in a barge magnificently decorated and man- 
ned with thirteen sea captains — and waving his 
hat, while the tears started from his eyes, he bade 
a silent adieu to the companions of his glory. 



(37.) Inauguration of Washington. 
(the first president.) 

The American people having established their 
independence, they next proceeeded to form a 
Constitution of government. Accordingly dele- 
gates from the several states were appointed to meet 
in convention for the purpose of framing a Consti- 
tution. This body met at Philadelphia in 1787 and 
formed a Constitution which was finally adopted by 
all the states. 

According to the Constitution, the several states 
elected their delegates to the Congress, and by an 



53 

unanimous vote, General Washington was elected 
first President. 

On the 30th of April, 1789, George Washington 
was inaugurated President of the United States. 
This ceremony was performed in the open gallery 
of the Federal Hall in the city of New- York, and 
the oath was administered by Chancellor Living- 
ston in the view of a countless multitude of spec 
tators. 

Many circumstances concurred to render this 
scene unusually solemn and interesting — the pre- 
sence of the Father of his country — the impres- 
sions of gratitude for his past services — the vast 
concourse of spectators — the devout fervency with 
which the oath was repeated — The reverential 
manner in which he bowed to kiss the sacred vol- 
ume — His elevation to this high station by the 
unanimous voice of enlightened freemen. 

"It seemed from the number of witnesses," said 
a spectator, " to be a solemn appeal to heaven and 
earth at once. Upon the subject of this great and 
good man I may perhaps be an enthusiast, but I 
confess I was under an awful and religious persua- 
sion that the gracious ruler of the universe was' 
looking down at that moment with peculiar com- 
placency on an act, which to a part of liis creatures 
was so very important. Under this impression 
2* 



54 

when the Chancellor pronounced in a feeling man- 
ner " Long live George Washington," my sensi- 
bility was wound up to such a pitch that I could do 
no more than to wave my hat with the rest, with- 
out the power of joining in the repeated acclama- 
tions that rent the air." 



(38.) Doctor Franklins experiments in Electricity, 

The utility of Lightning rods was first suggested 
by Doctor Franklin, and confirmed by his experi- 
ments in Philadelphia in 1752. 

At this time the subject of Electricity was a 
new science and the philosophers of Europe were 
busy with it : Franklin to their no small mortifica- 
tion, advanced a theory which he established by 
the following experiment : 

To the upright stick of a kite he attached an iron 
point, the line of his kite was hemp except the end 
which he held, this was of silk: to the end of the 
hemp line he affixed a key — a thunder shower 
coming up he raised his kite near the cloud, and 
shortly perceived the effects of the electric fluid 
which he drew off in sparks, charged a phial with 
it, and performed such experiments as are now 
usually performed with electrical machines. 



ITew-Ywlk 





(39.) Steam Boats. 

The first successful application of steam for the 
purpose of propelling boats was accomplished by 
Robert Fulton, a native of the state of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Fulton's inventive genius displayed itself at 
an early age. It seems that as early as the year 
1 793 he had conceived the idea of propelling ves- 
sels by steam, and he speaks in some of his wri- 
tings with great confidence of its practicabilty. 

After a number of years residence in Europe, and 
making a variety of experiments both in that coun- 
try and in this, his labours were finally crowned 
with success. 

In the spring of 1807, the first steam boat built 
in this country was launched from a ship yard in 
New-York on the East River. The engine which 
he procured from England was put on board of the 
boat in August, was completed, and was moved by 
her machinery to the Jersey shore. This boat 
which was called the Clermont, soon after sailed for 
Albany which voyage she accomplished, going at 
the rate of about five miles an hour ; she afterwards 
became a regular passage boat between New-York 
and Albany. From the time that this boat was put 
in motion, this noble invention has been rapidly 
extended ; till it is now used in every part of the 
civilized world. 



5e 



(40.) Expedition of Lewis and Clark. 
[to the pacific ocean.] 

In the year 1 803, the extensive territory of Lou- 
isiana was ceded by the government of France to 
the United States for fifteen millions of dollars. 

Upon the acquisition of this new territory, the 
attention of the government of the United States 
directed towards exploring the country. Captains 
Lewis and Clarke with a party of twenty-five men 
who were enlisted for the purpose, were sent on 
this expedition. With three boats, they set forth 
from the mouth of Wood river, near St. Louis on 
the 14th day of May, 1804. Following the course 
of the Missouri, they reached the Mandan villages, 
where they built a kind of Fort and encamped for 
the winter. In April they left their encampment, 
and with two large boats and six small canoes, 
proceeded on their voyage. On the 12th of Au- 
gust, 1805 they penetrated as far as the source 
of the Missouri — the longest river in the known 
world ; (if we add its distance after it unites with 
the Mississippi to the ocean,) it being almost 4500 
miles long. After following its course at the foot 
of the mountain, its width became contracted to 
that of a narrow brook. Travelling about four 
miles, they reached a small gap formed by high 
mountains which recede on each side, leaving room 



57 



for an Indian road. From the foot of one of the low- 
est of these mountains which rises with an ascent 
of about half a mile, issues the remotest waters of 
the Missouri. After tarrying awhile at this inter- 
esting spot, they pursued the Indian path through 
the interval of hills, and arrived at the top of a ridge, 
from whence they saw high mountains partially 
covered with snow still to the west. The ridge on 
which they stood formed the dividing line between 
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They then fol- 
lowed the descent of the ridge, and at the distance 
of three quarters of a mile, reached a bold creek of 
clear cold water running to the westward. They 
stopped to taste for the first time, the waters of the 
Columbia. Unable to proceed further in canoes 
they purchased horses of the natives with which they 
crossed the Rocky Mountains. In performing this 
journey they were reduced to the necessity of kil- 
ling some of their horses for food. After passing 
several ranges of steep and rugged mountains they 
descended the Columbia river, and arrived at its 
mouth at the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 14, 1805. Near 
this place they encamped for the winter, and on the 
23d of March following, set out for the United 
States, and after many hardships and privations, 
arrived at St. Louis, Sept. 23, 1806. The route 
which the party took from St. Louis to the Pacific 



58 



Ocean, was a distance of four thousand one hun- 
dred and thirty-four miles. In returning, they pass- 
sed upon a better and more direct route, shorten- 
ing the distance to three thousand five hundred and 
fifty-five miles. 



Second War with Great Britain. 

June 18, 1812, a bill declaring War against 
Great Britain having passed both houses of Con- 
gress, received the signature of President Madison. 
To go into a history of the causes of this war, its 
justice, expediency or inexpediency, would exceed 
the intended limits of these brief sketches. A 
concise view of some of the principal events 
only will be attempted. The American people 
were not united in this war, and during its contin- 
uance a bitter animosity existed between the two 
political parties that divided the country. One 
considered the war unjust in its operation, and if 
just at all, extremely inexpedient at that time. The 
other, that it was both just and expedient, and in- 
dispensible to the maintenance of national honour. 



59 
(41.) Battle of Lake Erie. 

The American fleet consisted of nine vessels 
carrying fifty-four guns commanded by Commo- 
dore Perry a young officer. The British fleet of 
six vessels and sixty-three guns, under Commo- 
dore Barclay, an old and experienced officer who 
had served under Nelson The line of battle was 
formed at 11 o'clock. (Sept! 10, 1813.) At fifteen 
minutes before 12, the enemy's flag ship, " Queen 
Charlotte" opened a furious fire upon the " Law- 
rence," the flag ship of Com. Perry. The wind 
being light, the rest of the squadron were unable 
to come to his assistance, and he was compelled 
for two hours to sustain the fire of two of the ene- 
my's ships, each of equal force. By this time the 
Lawrence had become unmanageable, every gun 
was dismounted, her crew except four or five were 
all killed or wounded. 

In this desperate condition, Commodore Perry 
with great presence of mind formed the bold design 
to shift his flag, and leaped into an open boat, wa- 
ving his sword he passed unhurt through a shower 
of balls to the Niagara of twenty guns. At this 
critical moment the wind increased, and Perry bore 
down upon the enemy, passing the "Detroit," 
"Queen Charlotte," and "Lady Provost" on one 
.side, and the " Chippewa" and " Little Belt" on the 



60 

other, into each of which while passing he poured 
a broadside. He then engaged the " Lady Pro- 
vost," which received so heavy a fire that the men 
ran below. The remainder of the American squad- 
ron now one after another came up. After a con- 
test of three hours the American fleet gained a 
complete victory, and captured every vessel of the 
enemy. Commodore Perry announced this victory 
in the following laconic style : " We have met the en- 
emy, and they are ours !" 

The Americans lost in this action twenty-seven 
killed and ninety-six wounded. The British had 
about two hundred killed and wounded — the Amer- 
icans took six hundred prisoners, which exceeded 
the whole number of Americans engaged in the 
action. 



(42.) Death of Tccumseh. 

On the 5th of October a battle was fought be- 
tween the American army under General Harrison 
and the British under General Proctor. In this ac- 
tion the British were defeated, and Detroit fell into 
the hands of the Americans. The British were as- 
sisted by a body of twelve or fifteen hundred In- 
dian warriors, led on by Tecumseh, a celebrated 
Indian warrior. The onset was begun with great 



illT.^rviri Tpt i 



40 




6i 

fiiry by Tecumseh on the left, and met by Col. 
Johnson of Kentucky. The determined and ter- 
rible voice of Tecumseh was heard encouraging 
his men, who gathered about him, and fought with 
desperate courage. Col. Johnson rushed to the 
spot, when a hundred rifles were levelled at him ; 
his dress and accoutrements were pierced by the 
bullets, his horse fell, and himself received a num- 
ber of wounds. At the instant his horse was about 
to fall, Col. Johnson was discovered by Tecumseh, 
who sprang forward with his Tomahawk — for a 
moment he hesitated — that moment was his last. 
Col. Johnson aimed a pistol at Tecumseh's breast* 
and both almost at the same instant fell. Col. John- 
son's men now rushed forward, and the Indians, 
hearing no longer the voice of their chief, soon 
after fled. 

Since the year 1790, Tecumseh had been in al- 
most every engagement with the whites — a deter- 
mined enemy to the attempts to civilize his coun- 
trymen, and for years had endeavoured to unite 
the tribes in opposition to the progress of the 
whites to the West. 



(43) Burning of Washington City. 

In August 1814, ,a body of about 6000 British 
troops, commanded by Gen. Ross, landed at Bene- 
6 



62 

diet, on the Pautuxet, 47 miles from Washington. 
He met with little opposition on his march, until 
within about six miles of Washington, at Bladens- 
burgh. Here Gen. Winder with the American for- 
ces composed mostly of militia hastily collected, 
opposed them. The Americans, however, fled at 
the beginning of the contest. Com. Barney with 
about 400 men made a brave resistance, but the 
enemy superior in numbers, compelled him to sur- 
render. 

Leaving Bladensburgh, Gen. Ross went to Wash- 
ington, where he arrived in the evening of the 23d 
August, about 8 o'clock with 700 men, having left 
the main body about a mile and a half from the Cap- 
itol. Immediately on his arrival, this modern Goth 
issued orders to set on fire the public buildings. 

The Capitol and the President's house, two no- 
ble buildings, were burnt ; the valuable libraries in 
the Capitol were also destroyed. The great Bridge 
across the Potomac — a splendid Hotel and many 
other private buildings. 

On the 25th they retired by rapid marches and 
regained their shipping, having lost about 1000 
men in this expedition. 



63 

(44) Battle on Lake Champlain. 

In September 1814, an army of 14,000 men un- 
der the command of Sir George Prevost, Governor 
General of Canada, and a fleet on Lake Cham- 
plain under Commodore Downie, carrying 95 guns, 
and 1050 men approached Plattsburg. 

The American fleet, commanded by Commodore 
Macdonough, carried but 86 guns, and 826 men. 
While lying off Plattsburgh, on the 11th of Sep- 
tember the British fleet bore down upon them in 
order of battle. 

Ordering his vessels to be cleared for action, 
Commodore Macdonough gallantly received the 
enemy. The engagement was exceedingly obsti- 
nate ; the enemy fought bravely ; but the superior- 
ity of the American gunnery prevailed, they fired 
much oftener than their enemies. After an en- 
gagement of two hours and twenty minutes the 
Brittish ships were silenced, and one frigate, one 
brig, and two sloops of war, fell into the hands of 
the Americans. Several British gallies were sunk, 
and a few others escaped. The Americans lost 
52 killed, and 58 wounded. The loss of the Brit- 
ish was 84 killed, and 1 10 wounded, 

Sir Geo. Prevost, who commanded the land for- 
ces, commenced an attack upon the American 
works at Plattsburgh, at the same time that the 



64 

fleets were engaged, but was compelled to retire 
by the Americans under Gen. Macomb with the 
loss of 2500 men. 

->♦►«©©♦— 

(45) Gen. Jackson s Victory at New-Orleans. 

In the month of Dec. 1814, fifteen thousand Brit- 
ish troops under Sir Edward Packenham were 
landed for the attack of New-Orleans. The de- 
fence of this place was entrusted to Gen. Andrew 
Jackson, whose force was about 6000 men, chiefly 
raw militia. Several slight skirmishes occurred 
before the enemy arrived before the city — during 
this time Gen Jackson was employed in making 
preparation for his defence. His front was a 
straight line of 1000 yards, defended by upwards of 
three thousand Infantry and Artilerists. The ditch 
contained five feet of water, and his front, from hav- 
ing been flooded by opening the levees, and by fre- 
quent rains, was rendered slippery and muddy. 
Eight distinct batteries were judiciously disposed, 
mounting in all 1 2 guns of different calibres. On 
the opposite side of the river was a strong battery 
of fifteen guns. 

On the 8th of January, Gen. Packenham with 
upwards of 12,000 men, deliberately advanced in 
solid columns to the attack over an even plain, in 



65 



front of the American intrenchments, his men car- 
rying, besides their muskets, facines and ladders 
Entire silence prevailed through the American lines 
until the British were within reach of their batte- 
ries, when a destructive cannonade was opened ; 
yet they advanced, closing up their ranks as fast as 
they were opened by the fire of the Americans. 
But when within the reach of musketry and rifles, 
the Americans poured in such a tremendous and 
destructive fire, that the British columns were lit- 
erally swept away. Unable to stand the shock, 
confusion followed, and Gen. Packenham in the 
attempt to rally his troops was killed. 

The two Generals Gibbs and Kean, succeeded 
in pushing forward their columns the second time, 
but this was more fatal than the first. The contin- 
ued rolling fire from the American lines resembled 
peals of thunder. A few platoons only reached 
the ditch, to meet a more certain destruction. 

A third attempt was made to lead up the troops 
which proved equally unavailing. Gen. Gibbs and 
Kean were severely wounded, the former mor- 
tally. 

The plain before the American lines now present- 
ed a wide field of blood. Seven hundred of the Brit- 
ish were killed, 1400 wounded, and 500 were taken 
prisoners — making the whole of their loss, nearly 



66 

3000 men. The loss of the Americans did not ex^ 
ceed seven killed, and they had only six wounded ! ! 
The enemy soon after with great secrecy em- 
harked on board their shipping. 

iii8@9 iti 

(46) Western Antiquities. 

The numerous remains of ancient fortifications, 
mounds, &c. found in the Western States, are the 
admiration of the curious, and a matter of much 
speculation. 

They are mostly of an oblong form, situated on 
well chosen ground, and near the water. 

One of the fortifications or towns at Marietta, 
(Ohio) contains forty acres, accompanied by a wall 
of earth from six to ten feet high. On each side 
are three openings at equal distances, resembling 
gateways. The works are undoubtedly very an- 
cient, as there does not appear to be any difference 
in the age or size of the timber growing on, or with- 
in the walls, and that which grows without ; and 
the Indians have lost all tradition respecting them. 
Dr. Cutler who accurately examined the trees on 
the works at Marietta, thinks from appearances, 
that they are on the second growth, and that the 
works must have been built upwards of 1000 
years. 



Old© 



5|46 





67 

At a convenient distance from these works ab 
nays stands a mound of earth, thrown up in the 
form of a pyramid. Upon examination some of 
these mounds are found to contain an immense 
number of human skeletons. 

The ancient works on the western branches of 
the Muskingum river, extend nearly two miles, the 
ramparts of which are, now in some places more 
than eighteen feet in perpendicular height. There 
must have been a dense population to have erect- 
ed such works as these, and a people more devo- 
ted to labour, than the present race of Indians. 

The most probable conjecture respecting these 
people is, that they were of Tartar origin, and 
came across to this continent near Behring's 
Strait's, and going southward, followed the course 
of the great rivers, finding the soil fruitful on the 
Ohio and Mississippi, resided there for a while, till 
at length following each other they established 
themselves in the warm and fertile vales of Mexico- 



(47) Erie Canal. 

This Grand Canal the longest in the world (if we 
except the Imperial Canal of China) was com- 
menced July 4th 1817, and completed Oct. 26th, 



68 

1825, at the expense of about eight millions of 
dollars. 

This Canal extends from Albany on the Hud- 
son, to Buffalo on Lake Erie, a distance of 350 miles. 
From the Lake to the River there is generally a 
descent, though in some places there is an ascent : 
so that the aggregate of rise and fall is 662 feet, 
and the difference of level between the Lake and 
River is 564 feet. 

The Canal is 49 feet wide on the surface, 28 at 
the bottom, and 4 feet deep. It contains 80 locks, 
with several considerable embankments and aque- 
ducts. It is the property of the State of New- York, 
and will probably afford a large revenue for public 
purposes. 

When the Canal was completed October 26, a 
Canal Boat from Lake Erie entered the Canal, 
which event was announced by the firing of can- 
non placed at suitable distances, from Lake Erie 
to the city of New- York, and from thence back 
again to Lake Erie. 

On the 5th of November, when the Canal Boat 
arrived at the city of New-York, the day was cele- 
brated by splendid processions, military parades, 
&c. &c. 

In the aquatic procession which accompanied 
the Canal Boat from New-York to Sandy Hook. 



69 



were 22 Steam Boats and Barges. When they ar- 
rived at the Hook, Governor Clinton went through 
the ceremony of uniting the waters, by pouring 
that of Lake Erie into the Atlantic. 



(48.) General La Fayette s Visit. 

Gilbert Mottie, La Fayette, the Marquis de la 
Fayette, America's early and tried friend, was born 
on the 6th of September, 1757, in the province of 
Auvergne, now the department of Haute Loire, in 
France, about 400 miles from Paris. 

He sprang from the ancient and illustrious fam- 
ily of Mottie, which, for several centuries past, has 
added the name of La Fayette. In 1774, at the 
age of seventeen, he was married to the Countess 
Anastasie de Noailles, daughter of the Duke de 
Noailles. The fortune of this lady, added to his 
own, increased his income to about 40,000 dollars 
annually ; an immense revenue at that period. 

The contest between Great Britain and her North 
American colonies was a subject of much interest 
to the nations of Europe, especially to the French 
people. The Marquis La Fayette fired with enthu- 
siastic ardour in the cause of Liberty, tore himself 
from an affectionate family and the honours of the 
court, and notwithstanding the prohibition of the 



70 

French court, embarked for America in January, 
1777, and entered the American army as a volun- 
teer, without compensation. The American Con- 
gress struck with his magnanimity, gave him the 
commission of a Major General in the army of the 
United States. 

His gallant conduct at the battle of Brandy wine, 
(where he was wounded,) and at many other places 
till the close of the war, proved him worthy of the 
confidence placed in him. 

La Fayette likewise gave large sums for the pur- 
pose of clothing and arming the American troops. 

After the close of the revolutionary war, La 
Fayette returned to France, where he was appoint- 
ed commander of the French armies. During the 
furious and bloody storm of the French Revolution, 
he was obliged to flee, and surrender himself to the 
Austrians, who imprisoned him in the castle of 
Omultz. 

Having suffered a rigorous imprisonment for five 
years, he was through the influence of Buonaparte 
'afterwards Emperor of France) released on the 
25th of August, 1797. 

After an absence of forty years, General La 
Fayette determined once more to visit the country 
of his adoption. Congress hearing of his determi- 
nation offered a public ship for the conveyance of 
the " Nation's Guest," but he politely declined 



71 

their offer, and chose a private conveyance. He 
accordingly with his son, George Washington La 
Fayette, embarked at Havre, on board the ship 
Cadmus, and arrived at New- York Aug. 16, 1824. 

He was received with enthusiastic demonstra- 
tions of joy, by all classes of the American people. 
From New- York he proceeded by land to Boston, 
passing through New-Haven, and Providence. 
From Boston he proceeded to Portsmouth, N. H. 
from whence he returned to Boston, and New- 
York, passing through Worcester, Hartford, and 
Middletown. From New-York he went up the 
Hudson, visiting Albany and other places on the 
river. Returning to New-York he proceeded on to 
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Here 
he was received by the House of Representatives 
and Senate of the United States, who voted him 
two hundred thousand dollars and a township of 
land for the important services rendered by him 
during the Revolutionary war. 

General La Fayette commenced his tour from 
Washington, through the southern and western 
States, and returned to Albany by the way of Buf- 
falo and the Grand Canal. From Albany he pro- 
ceeded to Boston through Springfield, where he ar- 
rived on the 16th of June, and was received by the 
Legislature of Massachusetts then in session. On 



72 

the 1 7th he was present at the ceremony of laying 
the foundation stone of the Bunker Hill Monument. 
He then visited the States of New-Hampshire, 
Maine and Vermont, and returned to New-York to 
participate in the celebration of the fiftieth anni- 
versary of American Independence. 

He took his final leave of New-York, July 14th, 
visited the Ex-Presidents in Virginia, and soon after 
embarked for France on board the frigate Brandy- 
wine, followed with the grateful benedictions of Uie 
American people 



QUESTIONS. 



Scene 1. What is said of our country before the 
arrival of the Europeans? how were the Indians divi- 
ded and governed I describe their persons. What 
was the employment of the men and women ? can you 
describe their dress ? their ornaments? habitations? 
their instruments of war ? their domestic utensils ? 
money ? did the Indians believe in a future state ? 
describe their burials. What ideas had they of God ? 
what was their manner of worship ? what is said of 
their powaws or priests ? of their traditions ? 

Scene 2. Who was the first European that discov- 
ered the coast of the United States ? by whom was he 
employed ? in what year did he make the discovery ? 
how long after the first discoveries of Columbus ? who 
first established a settlement in North America ? at 
what time, and where was the settlement made ? 

Scene 3. What is said of Captain Smith ? how 
was he taken by Indians ? who doomed him to death ? 
who saved his life ? in what manner ? 

Scene 4. Who plotted the destruction of the col- 
ony at Jamestown ? in what manner ? how were the 
colonists saved ? who did Pocahontas marry ? what i? 



74 

said of her after this event ? what is said of her de- 
scendants ? 

Scene 5. What was the principal object in plant- 
ing the colony at Plymouth ? by what name were the 
colonists called ? what is said of the Puritans before 
they sailed for America ? give an account of their 
voyage, landing, and place of settlement. 

Scene 6. Describe the manner of the colonists dis- 
covering Indian corn. By whom were they instructed 
how to raise it ? 

Scene 7. By what Indian prince were the Ply- 
mouth colonists befriended ? describe the manner of 
the treaty with Massasoit. How long did this treaty 
last ? what else is said respecting Massasoit ? 

Scene 8. In what year, and by whom was Connec- 
cicut first settled ? give an account of the journey to 
Connecticut river. What do you say respecting the 
settlement of Hartford ? New-Haven ? 

Scene 9. What were the Indians remarkable for ? 
give an account of the stratagem of a Pequot Indian. 

Scene 10. In what year was the war with the Pe- 
quots ? what was the cause of the war ? how many 
men were employed in the expedition against the 



75 

Pequots I give an account of the attack and destruc 
tiofi of the fort. 

Scene 1 1 . Where was Mr. Elliot's nntive place '( 
what is said of him after his arrival in New England ? 
what is said respecting his Indian Bible ? what was 
the success of the gospel among the Indians ? 

Scene 12. What is supposed to have been the ob- 
ject of king Philip in commencing this war ? what 
was the immediate cause of the war ? what else is 
said of Philip ? describe the attack and deliverance of 
Brookfield. 

Scene 13. Why did the English attack the Narra- 
gansetts ? who commanded the expedition ? how 
many men were employed ? describe the Narraganset 
fort. Describe the manner of attack. What decided 
the contest ? how many of the Indians were destroyed ? 
what loss did the English sustain ? 

Scene 14. What misfortune befel Philip ? by 
whom was he pursued ? describe the manner of his 
death. Repeat the Indian's speech over the body of 
Philip. 

Scene 15. Why were Colonels Gone and Whalley 
obliged to flee into New-England ? when did they ar- 
rive ? what is said respecting their characters, &c. ? 
were they ever taken ? why ? 



76 



Scene 16. In what year and by whom was Penn- 
sylvania granted to William Penn ? what city was he 
the founder of? what is said respecting his purchases 
of the natives ? his government ? laws ? what is said 
of the Quakers and Indians ? 

Scene 17. What is said respecting the government 
of Britain over the colonies ? who was firsi appointed 
Governor General over New England ? in what year did 
he arrive in Hartford to demand the charter ? how was 
it preserved ? 

Scene 18. What is said respecting the war be- 
tween England and France ? at what time did the 
French and Indians attack Schenectady ? describe 
the manner of the attack. What is said respecting 
those who escaped. 

Scene 19. In what year did what is called ' Salem 
Witchcraft,' take plac? ? how were the people afflict- 
ed ? how many were executed for this crime ? how 
did it cease ? 

Scene 20. In what year fell the greatest snow ever 
known ? describe an occurrence which took place in 
this storm. 

Scene 21. In what year did the Spaniards invade 
Georgia ? describe the stratagem of General Ogle - 
thorpe. What success did it have ? 



77 



Scene 22. On what expedition was General Brad- 
dock sent 1 what passed between him and Colonel 



Washington ? how was he defeated 



Scene 23. What was the object of the Stamp Act ? 
describe the Act. What was done in Boston when this 
Act went into operation ? at Portsmouth ? 

Scene 24. What was the object of the British min- 
istry in allowing the East India company to ship tea to 
America? how did the Americans proceed on this ? 
how was the tea destroyed in Boston harbour 1 what 
did the British ministry when they were informed of it ? 

Scene 25. When did General Gage send an armed 
force to Concord ? for what purpose ? describe the 
battle of Lexington. What took place after ? 

Scene 26. When and how was Breed's hill fortified ? 
by whom ? how did the British commence the attack ? 
describe the battle, and final result. Who was killed 
in this action ? 

Scene 27. When and where did the first general 
Congress meet ? what did they ? who was appointed 
commander in chief of the American army ? when did 
the British evacuate Boston ? 

Scene 28. Who were appointed to draft a declara- 
tion of Independence ? who drafted the declaration ? 
6* 



78 

when was Independence declared ? describe the trans- 
actions at New- York. 

Scene 29. When was the most gloomy period of 
the Revolution ? describe Washington's retreat through 
New- Jersey. What is said of his army ? give an ac- 
count of Gen. Washington's recrossing the Delaware, 
and his victory over the enemy. 

Scene 30. Where did Miss McCrea and her lover 
reside ? what method did he use to convey her to the 
British camp ? describe the manner of her death. 
What effect did this murder have upon the Americans ? 

Scenn 31. In what year did General Burgoyne in- 
vade the northern States ? what was his object ? de- 
scribe his progress. How and by whom was he forced 
to surrender ? 

Scene 32. Describe General Putnam's situation at 
Horseneck. How did he escape ? 

Scene 33. W T here was Stony Point ? when was it 
taken ? by whom ? describe the storming of the fort. 
What is said respecting the conquerors ? 

Scene 34. What is said respecting Gen. Arnold ? 
who was Andre, and what is said respecting him ? 
by whom was he arrested ? describe the manner of hi? 



79 



arrest. What did he do after he was discovered ? hy 
whom was he tried ? how was he executed ? at what 
time 1 

Scene 35. What event decided the Revolutionary 
contest ? when did it take place ? how was it effect- 
ed ? what is said respecting the surrender ? what of 
Cornwallis ? 

Scene 36. When did Washington issue his farewell 
orders to the army ? where did he take leave of his 
officers ? describe the manner. 

Scene 37. In what year was the Constitution of the 
United States formed ? who was elected the first Pres- 
ident ? when was he inaugurated President ? where 
did the ceremony take place ? describe the scene. 

Scene 38. Who first suggested the utility of light- 
ning rods ? where, and what year ? relate the ex- 
periment by which Dr. Franklin established his theory. 

Scene 39. Who was the inventor of steam-boats ? 
where was the first steam-boat built in this country ? 
what is said respecting it ? 

Scene 40. From whom was Louisania obtained ? 
for what price ? when did Captain Lewis and Clark 
set out upon their expedition ? where did they encamp 
the first winter ? when did they discover the sources 



of the Missouri ? how long is this river ? when did 
they arrive at the Pacific ocean ? when did they set 
out upon their return, and at what time did they arrive 
at St Louis ? 

Scene 41. Give an account of the American and 
British fleets, and of the commencement of the action ? 
what did Perry do after his ship was rendered unman- 
ageable ? what is said respecting the battle ? what 
loss on each side ? 

Scene 42. By whom were the British assisted, in 
the battle between Gen. Harrison and Gen. Proctor ? 
what is said respecting Col. Johnson ? Describe the 
manner of Tecumseh's death. What is said respecting 
Tecumseh ? 

Scene 43. At what time was the city of Washing- 
ton burnt ? by whom ? what buildings, &c. were de- 
stroyed ? 

Scene 44. What was the number of the British 
land and naval forces that approached Plattsburg ? De- 
scribe the battle on Lake Champlain. What is said 
respecting the attack by the land forces ? 

Scene 45. By whom, and at what time, was the 
city of New-Orleans attacked ? who commanded the 
American forces ? what number and what kind of 
iroous did he command ? describe his fortifications. 



81 

Describe the attack of the British. What was the loss 
of the British ? what was the loss of the Americans ? 

Scene 46. Where are the remains of ancient forti- 
fications found ? of what form and situation ? describe 
those at Marietta, and on the branches of the Musking- 
um. What is the probable conjecture concerning the 
people that made these works ? 

Scene 47. When was the Erie Canal commenced ? 
when finished ? what was the expense ? how many 
miles does it extend ? how wide is the canal ? how 
deep ? whose property is it ? describe the ceremo- 
nies that y:ere performed on the completion of the ca- 
nal. 

Scene 48. Where was Gen. La Fayette born ? 
what is said respecting his family ? when, and what 
caused him to enter the American army ? What ser- 
vices did he perform ? by whom was he imprisoned, 
how long, and how liberated ? when did he arrive in 
this country ? after how long an absence? what places 
did he visit? what did Congress do respecting him? 
when did he take his final leave of New-York, and how 
was he conveyed to France ? 



A 

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

OF THE 

DISCOVERIES, SETTLEMENTS, WARS 

AND 

REMARKABLE EVENTS, 

IN THE 

UNITED STATES. 

Discoveries and Settlements. 

1492. America first discovered by Columbus. 

1497. North America first discovered by Sebastian 
Cabot, a Venetian in the service of England. 

1500. Florida first discovered by John Cabot. 

1539. Ferdinand de Soto, a Spaniard, landed in Florida 
with 1200 men in search of gold. He penetra- 
ted into the country, discovered the Mississippi. 
He and more than half of his men perished ; the 
remainder arrived at Mexico Sept. 1543. 

1607. First British settlement in North America at 
at Jamestown in Virginia. 

1608. Capt. Smith first explored the Chesapeake. 
Canada settled by the French. Quebec founded. 



83 



4610. Capt. Hudson discovered the Manhattan, now" 
Hudson River. 

1611. Capt. Hudson discovered the Bay which bear* 
his name. 
Lake Champlain discovered. 

1614. Capt. Smith made a fishing voyage to the north- 
ern part of America — made a chart of the coast 
which he presented to Prince Charles, who 
named the country New-England. 
Settlements commenced by the Dutch at Man- 
hattan, now New-York, at Albany, and in New- 
Jersey. 

1619. Capt. Dermer, the first Englishman who sailed 
through Long Island Sound. 

1620. Plymouth settlers arrived at Plymouth Dec. 22. 
1623. First settlement of New-Hampshire at Little 

Harbour and at Dover. 
1627. Delaware and Pennsylvania settled by the 
Swedes and Fins. 

1629. Salem settled by Gov. Endicott. 

1630. Charlestown, Boston, Watertown, and Dorches- 
ter settled by Gov. Winthrop and others. 

1633. Maryland settled by Loid Baltimore and a colo- 
ny of Roman Catholics. 

The Dutch erect a fort on Connecticut River in 

the present town of Hartford. 

1634. Wethersfield, Con. settled by people from Dor- 
chester, Mass 



34 



1636. Hartford settled by Mr. Hooker and his congre- 
gation from Newtown, Cambridge, Mass. 

Providence, Rhode Island, settled and named by 

Roger Williams. 

1638. New-Haven settled by Mr. Davenport, Eaton. 
and others. 

1639. Newport, Rhode Island, settled, 

1643. Confederation of the colonies of Massachusetts. 
Plymouth, Connnecticut, and New-Haven for 
mutual defence. 

1663. Carolina planted. 

1673. New-York taken by the Dutch — restored to the 
English by treaty 1674. 

1680. Charleston, South Carolina, settled. 

1682. Pennsylvania settled by William Penn and oth- 
ers. Philadelphia founded. 

1724. Settlement of Vermont. 

1733. Georgia settled by Mr. Oglethorpe and others. 

1740. Tennessee explored by Cols. Wood, Patton, Dr. 
Walker and others. 

1765. The settlement of Tennessee commenced. 

1773. Kentucky settled by Col. Boon and others. 

1804. Captains Lewis and Clark explored the Mis- 
souri to its source, crossed the Rocky Moun- 
tains, arrived at the Pacific Ocean in November, 
1-805, returned to the United States in 1806. 



85 
Indian and French Wars. 

1622. The Indians massacred 349 of the Virginian 

colonists, March 22. 
1637. War with the Pequots in Connecticut. Their 

fort taken by surprise and destroyed, May 26. 

1675. King Philip's war in New England commenced. 
Brookfield burnt. Deerfield burnt. Captain 
Lathrop with 80 men surprised by the Indians ; 
almost every man slain, Sept. 18. 

Gov. Winslow with 1000 men attack the Narra- 
gansetts (the allies of Philip) in their fort ; the 
fort destroyed, and their country ravaged, De- 
cember. 

1676. King Philip killed, Aug. 12, which ends the war. 
1690. A body of French and Indians from Montreal 

burn Schenectady, and massacre the inhabitants, 
February 8. 
1704. Deerfield burnt, and most of the inhabitants car- 
ried captive, February 28. 

1710. Port Royal in Nova Scotia taken by General 
Nicholson, and its name changed to Annapolis, 
October 2. 

1711. Expedition against Quebec — failed by the loss of 
transports in the St. Lawrence, August. 

1712. War with the Tuscaroras in North Carolina. 
They are defeated, flee to the Five Nations, and 
form a sixth tribe. 



86 



1715. A general conspiracy against the Carolinians by 
the Yamases, Cherokees, and other tribes. 
Gov. Craven attacked and defeated them in 
their camp. 

1742. Spanish invasion of Georgia failed. 

1745. Louisburgh and Cape Breton taken by the New 
England troops, aided by a British squadron, 
June 17. 

1746. French expedition under duke Anville which 
threatened New England failed, by means of 
storms, sickness in the fleet, &c. 

17553. The French erect forts on the back of the 
colonies. 

1754. Colonel Washington with 400 men in fort Ne- 
cessity, surrended to the French, July 4. 

1756. General Braddock defeated, July 9. 

1757. Fort William Henry surrendered to the French. 

1758. Lewisburg taken by the British and reduced to 
a heap of ruins, June. 

General Abercrombie defeated by the French at 
Ticonderoga with the loss of 1800 men, July. 

1759. Ticonderoga and Crown Point taken by General 
Amherst, July and August. 

Battle of Quebec. General Wolf commander 
of the British, and Montcalm, commander of the 
French forces killed. Quebec taken, Sept. 
3761. The Cherokee Indians defeated by Col. Grant, 
and compelled to make peace, June. 



H7 

1 762. Ilavanna taken from the Spaniards by the British 
and colonial troops. Multitudes of the troops 
fell victims to the plague. 

1763. Treaty of peace signed at Paris. Canada, Nova 
Scotia, and Cape Breton ceded to the British 
king, February 10. 

1778. General Sullivan attacks and defeats the Indians 
on the Susquehanna, and ravages their country. 
1781. Massacre at Wyoming, July 1. 

1790. Gen. Harmer defeated by the Indians in Ohio. 

1791. Gen. St. Clair defeated by the Indians. 

1794. Gen. Wayne gains a decisive victory over the 

Indians on the Miami, Aug. 20. 
1797. Collisions with the French Republic. 

1799. Captain Truxton in the Constellation took the 
French frigate Insurgent, February 10. 

1800. Treaty of peace with France, September 30. 
1 8 1 3-4. War with the Creek Indians. 



Events in the Revolutionary War. 

1765. Stamp Act passed March. Riots in Boston, &c. 

1766. Stamp Act repealed, March 18. 

1770. Riots in Boston. The British troops killed four 

of the inhabitants, March 5. 
1774. Tea destroyed at Boston, December 16. 

Portof Boston shut by act of Parliament, March. 

First Congress convened at Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 



1775. Lexington battle, April 19. 
Ticonderoga taken by Col. Allen, May. 
George Washington takes the command of the 
American army near Boston, July 2. 

Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17. 
Gen. Montgomery enters Canada — takes Mont- 
real. Col. Arnold with 3000 men passes through 
a wilderness into Canada ; arrives at Quebec. 
Unsuccessful attack on Quebec. Gen. Mont- 
gomery killed, Dec. 31. 

1776. The American army expelled from Canada. 
Norfolk, (Va.) burnt by the British, Jan. 1. 
The British evacuate Boston, March 17. 
Attack on Charleston, S. C. British defeated. 
Gen. Howe and Admiral Lord Howe, with 
24,000 men, arrive at Sandy Hook, June. 
Declaration of Independence July 4. 
Battle on Long Island, — Americans defeated 
with the loss of upwards of 1000 men, July 27. 
New-York abandoned by the American army, 
Sept. 14. 

Battle of White Plains, Oct. 28. 
Capture of Fort Washington, 2700 men surren- 
dered Nov. 16. 

The American army retreats through New- Jer- 
sey, crosses the Delaware, Dec. 
Gen. Lee taken prisoner, Dec. 13. 
Battle at Trenton, 1000 Hessians made prison 
ers December, 26. 



98 



1777. Battle at Princeton, Gen. Mercer killed, Jan. 3. 
Danbury Conn, burnt, Gen. Wooster killed 
April 28. 

Battle of Brandywine, Gen. Lafayette wounded 
Sept. 11. 

Gen. Howe with the British army, enters Phil- 
adelphia, Sept. 26. 
Battle at Bennington, August. 
Battle of Germantown, Oct. 5. 
Gen. Burgoyne with 5700 men, surrendered to 
Gen. Gates, Oct. 17. 

1778. Treaty of Alliance with France, signed, Feb. 6. 
Battle of Monmouth, many soldiers died by the 
heat, June 28. 

Savannah taken by the British, Dec. 

1779. The British make incursions into Virginia, prop- 
erty to an immense amount destroyed. 

The British plunder New-Jersey, June. 

Gov. Tryon invades New-Haven, July 5. Fair 

field and Norwalk burnt. 

Stony Point taken by Gen. Wayne, July 15. 

1780. Charleston, S. C. surrendered to the British, 
May 12. 

Gen. Rochembeau arrives at Newport, R. I. 

with a French fleet and army, July 10. 

Battle of Camden, the Americans under Gen, 

Gates defeated, August 16. 

Treason of Arnold, Major Andre taken and ex 

ecuted, Oct. 2. 



90- 



1781. Battle of the Cowpens, Gen. Morgan defeats 
the British under Col. Tarlton, Jan. 17. 
Battle of Guilford, N. C, between Gen. Greene 
and Lord Cornwallis, March 8. 
New-London burnt, fort Griswold stormed, and 
the garrison put to death, Sept. 6. 

Battle of Eutaw springs, British defeated, Sep- 
tember 8. 

The British army under Lord Cornwallis, sur- 
rendered at Yorktown, Virginia, to Gen. Wash- 
ington, which closed the Revolutionary war. 
Nov. 2. 

1782. Provisional articles of peace signed, Independ- 
ence of the United States, acknowledged, Nov. 
30. 

1783. Definitive treaty, signed, Sept. 3. 
American army disbanded, Nov. 3. 

■■■••►© ^^ ©****■ 

Second War with Great Britain. 

1807. The American frigate Chesapeake fired into by 
the British frigate Leopard, off the Capes of 
Virginia, 3 men killed, 16 wounded, June 22. 

(809. Non intercourse with Great Britain and France, 
established by Congress, March 1. 

1811. Engagement between the American frigate Pres- 
ident, Capt. Rogers and a British sloop of war, 
Little Belt, Captain Bingham, May. 



91 



1811. Battle of Tippacanoe between Gen. Harrison 
and the Indians, Nov 7. 

1812. Declaration of war by the United States, against 
Great Britain, June 18. 

Gen. Hull surrendered his army and the fort of 
Detroit to the British, Aug. 16. 
U. S. frigate Constitution, Capt. Hull, captured 
the British frigate Gurriere, Capt. Dacres, Aug. 
19. 

U. S. frigate United States, Com. Decatur, cap- 
tured the Macedonian, Oct. 25. 
Battle at Queenstown, U. Canada, Gen. Brock 
killed, Oct. 3. 

U. S. frigarte Constitution, Com. Bainbridge, 
captured the Java, Dec. 29. 

1813. Bloody action at the river Raisin, between 
Americans under Gen. Winchester, and the 
British and Indians under Gen. Proctor, Gen. 
Winchester killed and the American prisoners 
massacred by the Indians Jan. 22. 

U. S. sloop of war Hornet, Capt. Lawrence, 
captured the British sloop of war Peacock, Capt. 
' Peak, who was killed. 
York (Upper Canada) taken by the Americans, 
Gen. Pike killed, April 27. 
U. S. frigate Chesapeake, Capt. Lawrence, 
captured by the British frigate Shannon, Capt. 
Lawrence killed, June i. 
The American fleet on Lake Erie, under Com, 



92 

Perry, capture the British fleet under Coin. 
Barclay, Sept. 10. 

Gen. Harrison defeats the British and Indians 
under Gen Proctor, Tecumseh killed Oct. 5. 
Detroit fell into the hands of the Americans. 

14. U. S. frigate Essex, Capt. Porter, captured by & 
superior force, March 28. 

Fort Erie taken by the Americans, July. 

Battle of Chippewa. July 6. 

Washington captured and burnt by the British 

under Gen. Ross, August 23. 

Attack on Baltimore, Gen. Ross killed Sept. 12. 

Unsuccessful attack by the British under Gen. 

Drummond, on fort Erie, Aug. 14. 

Castine taken by the British, Sept. 1. 

Com. Macdonough captures the British fleet on 

Lake Champlain, retreat of Gen. Provost, from 

Plattsburg, Sept. 11. 

15. Memorable victory of Gen. Jackson over the 
British, before New-Orleans, Jan. 8. 

Treaty of peace between the United States and 
Great Britain, signed at Ghent, December 24, 
ratified by the President and Senate., Feb. 17, 
1815. . 



93 
Remarkable Events. 

16 18. A great pestilence destroyed most of the Indians 
from Narraganset to Penobscot. 

1620. African slaves first brought into Virginia, by a 
Dutch ship and sold. 

1624. The first cattle brought into New-England. 

1631. First vessel built in Massachusetts called the 
Blessing of the Bay launched July 4. 

1636. The Desire, a ship of 120 tons, built at Marble- 
head, the first American ship that made a voy- 
age to England. 

1638. Great earthquake in New-England, June I. 
Two tremendous storms in Aug. and Dec. 
tide rose 14 feet above springtides at Narragan- 
set, and flowed twice in six hours. 

1639. First Baptist church in America formed at Prov- 
idence, R. I. 

Severe tempest and rain, Connecticut river rose 
20 feet above the meadows, March. 
Sugar first imported from the West-Indies. 
First printing in North America at Cambridge, 
Mass., by Samuel Green. The first thing print- 
ed was the Freeman's oath. 

1642. Severe winter, Boston and Chesapeak Bays 
frozen. 

1643. Earthquake in New-England. 

1 647. First influenza mentioned in the annals of Amor 
ica. 



94 

1656. The Friends or Quakers first came to Mass. 
Four executed in 1659. 

1663. Great earthquake in Canada and New-England. 
Jan. 26. 

1664. Mr. Elliot's Indian Bible printed at Cambridge. 
• the first Bible printed in America. 

1687. Charter of Conn, hid from Andross in a hollow 
oak and saved. 

1690. Bills of credit first issued by Massachusetts. 

1697. Severe winter, the Delaware frozen. 

I699 k Yellow fever in Philadelphia. 

1702. First emission of paper currency in South Caro- 
lina. 

Bice introduced into the southern states from the 
island of Madagascar. 

1704. First Netvspaper in America, published in Bos- 
ton. 

1708. Saybrook Platform, formed by a Synod of minis- 
ters under the authority of the State of Con- 
necticut. 

1709. First issuing of Paper currency in New-York. 
1717. The greatest snow storm ever known, Feb. 
1719. Northern Lights appeared in New-England Dec 

11. 

1721. First inoculation for the small pox in America, 
performed in Boston, by Dr. Boylston at the 
recommendation of Dr. Cotton Mather. 

1722. First issuing of Paper in Pennsylvania. 
1735. Free Masonry introduced into America, July. 



95 



1740. George Whitfield a celebrated preacher first 
arrives in America, he dies at LNewburyport 
Mass. Sept. 30th 1770, on his seventh visit to 
America. 

1741-2. Very severe Winter. ' 

1745. Indigo plant discovered in South Carolina. 

1752. New Style introduced into Britain and America 
September 2 reckoned 14. 

1752. Charleston S. C. laid under water by a tempest, 
September. 
Dr. Franklin makes his Electrical experiments. 

1755. Great Earthquake, Nov. 18. 

1762. Severest Drought known in America, no rain 
from May to September. 

1764. Medical Lectures first read in Philadelphia. 

1774. The Shakers first arrived from England, they 
settled near Albany. 

1780. Dark day in the northern States candles neces- 
sary at noon. 

1782. First American 74 launched at Portsmouth N. 
H. Nov. 5. 

1783-4. Severe Winter, great floods in March. 

1786. Shay's insurrection in Massachusetts. 

1788. Federal constitution ratified and became the 
constitution of the United States. 

1789. Gen. Washington inaugurated first President ; 
April 30. 

1797. John Adams elected President. 
1799. Washington died, Dec. 14 Aged 68. 



96 

1800. Great snow in Carolina and Georgia. 
Great flood in the Connecticut March. 

Seat of government transferred from Philadel- 
phia to Washington (District of Columbia.) 

1801. Thomas Jefferson elected President of United 
States. 

1802. Merino sheep introduced into the United States 
by Mr. Livingston and Gen. Humphreys. 

1803. Louisana purchased from the French govern- 
ment. 

1804. Gen. Hamilton killed in a duel with Col. Aaron 
Burr, vice president of the United States. 

1807. First Steam Boat built in this country. 

Col. A. Burr arrested on the charge of treason. 
1809. James Madison elected President. 

1816. American Bible Society formed May 8th. 

Cold summer. Frost every month in the year in 
the Northern States. 

Bank of the United States with a capital of 35 
millions of dollars incorporated April. 

1817. Grand canal in the State of New- York com- 
menced. 

James Monroe elected President. 

1824. Gen. LaFayette arrived at New-York. 

1825. John Quincy Adams elected President. 

1826. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams two Ex 
Presidents died July 4 on the fiftieth anniversary 

of American Independence. 



APPENDIX. 



The following, "full and correct account" of the 
Battle of Bunker Hill, is taken from a pamphlet 
published in Boston June 17, 1825. 

After the affair at Lexington and Concord on 
the 19th April, 1775, the people, animated by one 
common impulse, flew to arms in every direction. 
The husbandman changed his ploughshare for a 
musket, and about 15,000 men, 10,000 from Mas- 
sachusetts, and the remainder from New-Hamp- 
shire, Rhode-Island, and Connecticut, assembled 
under Gen. Ward, in the environs of Boston, then 
occupied by 10,000 highly disciplined and weli- 
equipped British troops, under the command of 
Generals Gage, Howe, Clinton, Burgoyne, Pigot, 
and others. 

Fearing an intention on the part of the British 
to occupy the important heights at Charlestown 
and Dorchester, which would enable them to com- 
mand the surrounding country, Col. Prescott was 
detached, by his own desire, from the American 
camp at Cambridge, on the evening of the 16th 
June, 1775, with about 1000 militia, mostly of Mas- 
sachusetts, including 120 men of Putnam's regiment 



98 

from Connecticut, and one Artillery company, to 
Bunker Hill, with a view to occupy and fortify that 
post. At this hill the detachment made a short 
halt, but concluded to advance still nearer the 
British, and accordingly took possession of Breed's 
Hill, a position which commanded the whole inner 
harbor of Boston. Here, about midnight, they com- 
menced throwing up a redoubt, which they com- 
pleted, notwithstanding every possible effort from 
the British ships and batteries to prevent them, 
about noon the next day. 

So silent had the operations been conducted 
through the night, that the British had not the 
most distant notice of the design of the Americans, 
until day-break presented to their view, the half- 
formed battery and the daring stand made against 
them. A dreadful cannonade, accompanied with 
shells, was immediately commenced from the Brit- 
ish battery at Copps' Hill, and the ships of war and 
floating batteries stationed in Charles River: 

The break of day on the 17th June, 1775, pre- 
sented a scene, which for daring and firmness could 
never be surpassed — 1000 unexperienced militia, in 
the attire of their various avocations, without disci- 
pline, almost without artillery and bayonets, scanti- 
ly supplied with ammunition, and wholly destitute 
of provisions, defying the power of the formidable 



99 

British ileet and army, determined to maintain the 
liberty of their soil or moisten that soil with their, 
blood. 

Without aid, however, from the main body of the 
army, it seemed impossible to maintain their posi- 
tion — the men having been without sleep, toiling 
through the night, and destitute of the necessary 
food required by nature, had become nearly ex- 
hausted. Representations were repeatedly made, 
through the morning, to Head-Quarters, of the ne- 
cessity of reinforcements and supplies. Major 
Brooks, the late revered Governor of Massachu- 
setts, who commanded a battalion of minute-men 
at Concord, set out for Cambridge about 9 o'clock 
on foot, it being impossible to procure a horse, so- 
liciting succour, but as there were two other points 
exposed to the British, Roxbury and Cambridge, 
then the Head-Quarters, at which place all the lit- 
tle stores of the army were collected, and the loss 
of which would be incalculable at that moment, 
great fears were entertained least they should 
march over the neck to Roxbury, and attack the 
camp there, or pass over the bay in boats, there be- 
ing at that time no artificial avenue to connect Bos- 
ton with the adjacent country, attack the Head- 
Quarters and destroy the stores ; it was therefore 
deemed impossible to afford any reinforcement to 



100 

Charlestown Heights, till the movements of the Brit- 
ish rendered evidence of their intention certain. 

The fire from the Glasgow frigate and two float- 
ing batteries in Charles River, were wholly directed 
— with a view to prevent any communication — 
across the isthmus that connects Charlestown with 
the main land, which kept up a continued shower 
of missiles, and rendered the communication truly 
dangerous to those who should attempt it. When 
the attention of the British to attack the heights of 
Charlestown became apparent.the remainder of Put- 
nam's regiment, Col. Gardner's regiment, both of 
which, as to numbers, were very imperfect, and 
some New-Hampshire Militia, marched, notwith- 
standing the heavy fire across the neck, for Charles- 
town Heights, where they arrived, much fatigued, 
just after the British had moved to the first attack. 

The British commenced crossing troops from 
Boston about 12 o'clock, and landed at Moreton's 
Point, S. E. from Breed's Hill. At 2 o'clock, from 
the best accounts that can be obtained, they had 
landed between 3 and 4,000 men, under the imme- 
diate command of Gen. Howe, and formed, in ap- 
parently invincible order, at the base of the hill. 

The position of the Americans at this time was 
a redoubt on the summit of the height of about 
eight rods square, and, a breastwork, extending on 



101 

the left of it, about seventy feet down the eastern 
declivity of the hill. This redoubt and breastwork 
was commanded by Prescott in person, who had 
superintended its construction, and who occupied 
it with the Mass. militia, of his detachment and a 
part of Little's regiment, which had arrived about 
one o'clock. They were dreadfully deficient in 
equipments and ammunition, had been toiling in- 
cessantly for many hours, and it is said by some ac- 
counts even then were destitute of provisions. — A 
little to the eastward of the Redoubt, and norther- 
ly to the rear of it, was a rail fence, extending al- 
most, to Mystick river, — to this fence another had 
been added during the night and forenoon, and 
some newly mown grass thrown against them to 
afford something like a cover to the troops. — At 
this fence the 120 Connecticut militia were posted. 
The movements of the British made it evident 
their intention was to march a strong column along 
the margin of the Mystick and turn the redoubt on 
the north, while another column attacked it in front ; 
accordingly to prevent this design a large force be- 
eame necessary at the breastwork and rail fence. 
The whole of the reinforcements that arrived, 
amounting in all to about 800 or 1000 men, were 
ordered by Gen. Putnam, who had been extremely 



102 

active throughout the night and morning, and who 
had accompanied the expedition to this point. 

At this moment thousands of persons of both 
sexes had collected on the Church steeples, Beacon 
Hill, house tops, and every place in Boston and its 
neighbourhood, where a view of the battle-ground 
could be obtained, viewing, with painful anxiety, 
the movements of the combatants — wondering, yet 
admiring, the bold stand of the Americans, and 
trembling at the thoughts of the formidable army 
marshalled in array against them. 

Before 3 o'clock the British formed, in two col- 
umns, for the attack — one column, as had been an- 
ticipated, moved along the Mystick River with the 
intention of taking the redoubt in the rear, while 
the other advanced up the ascent directly in front 
of the redoubt, where Prescott was ready to re- 
ceive them. Gen. Warren, President of the Pro- 
vincial Congress and of the Committee of Safety, 
who had been appointed but a few days before a 
Mai or- General in the Mass. troops, had volunteered 
on the occasion as a private soldier, and was in the 
redoubt with a musket, animating the men, by his 
influence and example, to the most daring deter- 
mination. 

Orders were given to the Americans to reserve 
their fire till the enemy advanced sufficiently near 



103 

to make their aim certain. Several vollies were 
fired by the British with but little success ; and so 
long a time had elapsed, and the British were allow- 
ed to advance so near the Americans without their 
fire being returned, that a doubt arose whether or 
not the latter intended to give battle — but the fatal 
moment soon arrived : — when the British had ad- 
vanced to within about eight rods, a sheet of fire 
was poured upon them and continued a short time 
with such deadly effect that hundreds of the assail- 
ants lay weltering in their blood, and the remainder 
retreated in dismay to the point where they had 
first landed. 

From day-light to the time of the British advanc- 
ing on the works, an incessant fire had been kept 
up on the Americans from the ships and batteries — 
this fire was now renewed with increased vigour. 

After a short time the British officers had suc- 
ceeded in rallying their men, and again advanced, 
in the same order as before, to the attack. Think- 
ing to divert the attention of the Americans, the 
town of Charlestovvn, consisting of 500 wooden 
buildings, was now set on fire by the British — the 
roar of the flames, the crashing of falling timbers, the 
awful appearance of desolation presented, the 
dreadful shrieks of the dying and the wounded in 
the last attack, added to the knowledge of the for* 



104 

Baidable force advancing against them, combined 
to form a scene apparently too much for men bred 
in the quiet retirement of domestic life to sustain — 
but the stillness of death reigned within the Ameri- 
can works — and nought could be seen but the dead- 
ly presented weapon, ready to hurl fresh destructioB 
on the assailants. The fire of the Americans was 
again reserved till the British came still nearer than 
before, when the same unerring aim was taken, and 
the British shrunk, terrified, from before its fatal ef- 
fects, flying, completely routed, a second time, to 
the banks of the river, and leaving, as before, the 
field strewed with their wounded and their dead. 

Again the ships and batteries renewed their fire, 
and kept a continual shower of balls on the works. 
Notwithstanding every exertion, the British officers 
found it impossible to rally the men for a third at- 
tack ; one third of their comrads had fallen ; and 
finally it was not till a reinforcement of more than 
1000 fresh troops, with a strong park of artillery, 
had joined them from Boston, that they could be in- 
duced to form anew. 

In the mean time every effort was made on the 
part of the Americans to resist a third attack ; Gen. 
Putnam rode, notwithstanding the heavy fire of 
the ships and batteries, several times across the 
neck to induce the Militia to advance, but it was 



105 

only a few of the resolute and brave who would 
encounter the storm. The British receiving rein- 
forcements from their formidable main body — the 
town of Charlestown presenting one wide scene of 
destruction — the probability the Americans must 
shortly retreat — the shower of balls pouring over 
the neck — presented obstacles too appalling for 
raw troops to sustain, and embodied too much 
danger to allow them to encounter. — Yet, notwith- 
standing all this, the Americans on the heights 
were elated with their success, and waited with 
coolness and determination the now formidable 
advance of the enemy. 

Once more the British aided by their reinforce- 
ments, advanced to the attack, but with great skill 
-and caution- — their artillery was planted on the 
eastern declivity of the hill, between the rail fence 
and the breast-work, where it was directed along 
the line of the Americans, stationed at the latter 
place, and against the gate-way on the north-east- 
ern corner of the redoubt — at the same time they 
attacked the redoubt on the south-eastern and 
south-western sides and entered it with fixed bay- 
onets. The slaughter on their advancing was 
great, but the Americans not having bayonets to 
meet them on equal terms, and their powder being 
exhausted, now slowly retreated, opposing and ex- 



100 

tricating themselves from the British with the butu 
of their pieces. 

The column that advanced against the rail fence 
was received in the most dauntless manner. The 
Americans fought with spirit and heroism that 
could not be surpassed, and had their ammunition 
have held out, would have secured to themselves a 
third time the palm of victory ; as it was, they effec- 
tually prevented the enemy from accomplishing his 
purpose, which was to turn their flank and cut the 
whole of the Americans off ; but having become 
perfectly exhausted, this body of the Americans 
also slowly retired, retreating in much better order 
than could possibly have been expected from un- 
disciplined troops, and those in the redoubt having 
^triceted themselves from a host of bayonets by 
which ihev had been surrounded. 

The British ioiiuweu ihe Americans to Bunker 
Hill, but some fresh militia at this moment coming 
up to the aid of the latter, covered their retreat. 
The Americans crossed Charlestown Neck about 
7 o'clock, having in the last twenty hours perform- 
ed deeds which seem almost impossible. Some of 
them proceeded to Cambridge and others posted 
themselves < mietly on Winter and Prospect Hills. 

From the most accurate statements that can be 
found., it appears the British must have had near- 



1©7 

5,000 soldiers in the battle ; between 3 and 4,000 
having first landed, and the reinforcement amount- 
ing to over 1 ,000. The Americans, throughout the 
whole day, did not have 2,000 men on the field. 

The slaughter on the side of the British was im- 
mense, having had nearly 1,500 killed and wound- 
ed ; twelve hundred of which were either killed or 
mortally wounded, — the Americans about 400. 

Had the Commanders at Charlestown Heights 
become terrified on being cut off from their main 
body and supplies, and surrendered their army, or 
even retreated before they did, from the terrific 
force that opposed them, where would have now 
been that ornament and example to the world, the 
Independence of the United States. — When it was 
found that no reinforcements were to be allowed 
them, the most sanguine man on that field could not 
have even indulged a hope of success, but all deter- 
mined to deserve it — and although they did not ob- 
tain a victory, their example was the cause of a 
great many. — The first attempt on the commence- 
ment of a war is held up, by one party or the other, 
as an example to those that succeed it, and a Vic- 
tory or Defeat, though not, perhaps, of any great 
magnitude in itself, is most powerful and important 
in its effects. Had such conduct as was here ex- 



108 

habited, been in any degree imitated by the imme- 
diate Commander in the first military onset of the 
last war, how truly different a result would have 
been effected to the fatal one that terminated that 
unfortunate expedition. 

From the immense superiority of the British at 
this stage of the war, having a large army of highly 
disciplined and well equipped troops, and the Amer- 
icans possessing but few other munitions or weap- 
ons of war, and but little more discipline, than what 
each man possessed when he threw aside his plough 
and took the gun that he had kept for pastime or 
for profit, but now to be employed for a different 
purpose, from off the hooks that held it, — perhaps 
it would have been in their power, by pursuing the 
Americans to Cambridge, and destroying the few 
stores that had been collected there, to implant 
a blow which could never have been recovered 
from, but they were completely terrified. The 
awful lesson they had just received, filled them with 
horror, and the blood of 1 500 of their companions 
who fell on that day, presented to them a warning 
which they could never forget. From the Battle of 
Bunker Hill sprung the protection and the vigour 
that nurtured the Tree of Liberty, and to it, in all 
probability, may be ascribed our Independence and 
Glory. 



!©9 

The name of the first martyr that gave his life for 
the good of his country on that day, in the impor- 
tance of the moment was lost, else a Monument, ia 
connection with the gallant Warren, should be rai- 
sed to his memory.^ The manner of his death waB 
thus related by Colonel Prescott : 

" The first man that fell in the Battle of Bunkef 
Hill was killed by a cannon ball, which struck his 
head. He was so near me that my clothes were 
besmeared with his blood and brains, which I wiped 
off, in some degree, with a handful of fresh earth. 
The sight was so shocking to many of the men, that 
they left their posts and ran to view him. I ordered 
them back, but in vain. I then ordered him to be 
buried instantly. A subaltern officer expressed sur- 
prise that I should allow him to be buried without 
having prayers said ; I replied, this is the first man 
that has been killed, and the only one that will be 
buried to day. I put him out of sight that the mea 
may be kept in their places. God only knows who, 
or how many of us, wiii fall before it is over. To 
your post, my good fellow, and let each man do his. 
duty." 

The name of the patriot who thus fell is suppo- 
sed to have been Pollard, a young man belonging 
to Billerica. He was struck by a cannon ball throw* 
from the line-of battle-ship Somerset 
10 



110 



B. 

%e interval between the 19th of September and 
the 7th of October was employed by both armies 
in fortifying their respective camps. Gen. Rur- 
goyne had contemplated an attack on the 20th and 
21st September, which, had it been made, would 
probably have resulted much to his advantage, as 
the American camp was then in an unfortified 
state, and the troops wholly unprepared for a rigo- 
rous resistance. For some cause, however, the at- 
tack was delayed. This gave time to Gen. Gates 
to complete the unfinished works and to strength- 
en his army by reinforcements of militiamen, who 
were daily flocking to his camp. Satisfied that a 
delay would operate to the advantage of the Amer- 
ican army, by increasing their strength and num- 
bers, whilst at the same time it must prove disad- 
vantageous to the enemy, General Gates, it seems, 
determined to wait their movements within his own 
entrenchments. Here he remained until the 7th 
October, when the last decisive action was fought, 
which decided the fate of the army under Gen. 
Burgoyne and ultimately resulted in the triumph of 
American Liberty. The commencement, progress, 
and termination of this brilliant engagement is thug 
described by Gen. Wilkinson ; 



lit 

*On the ai'teriiooii of October 7tli, the advanced 
guard of the centre beat to arms ; the alarm was 
repeated throughout the line, aad the troops re- 
paired to their alarm posts. I was at head quar- 
ters when this happened, and with the approbation 
of the General, mounted my horse to inquire the 
cause ; but on reaching the guard where the beat 
commenced, I could obtain no other satisfaction; 
but that some person had reported the enemy to 
be advancing against our left. I proceeded over 
open ground, and ascending a gentle acclivity in 
front of the guard, I perceived about half a mile- 
from the line of our encampment, several columns 
of the enemy, 60 or 70 rods from me, entering a 
wheat field which had not been cut, and was sepa- 
rated from me by a small rivulet ; and without my 
glass I could distinctly mark their every movement. 
After entering the field they displayed, formed the 
line, and set down in double ranks with their arms 
between their legs. Forages then proceeded to 
cut the wheat or standing straw, and I soon after 
observed several officers, mounted on the top of a 
cabin, from whence with their glasses they were 
endeavouring to reconnoitre our left, which wa? 
concealed from their view by intervening woods. 

" Having satisfied myself, after fifteen minutes 
attentive observation, that no attack was medita- 



112 

ted, I returned and reported to the General, wh$ 
asked me what appeared to be the intentions of the 
enemy. " They are foraging, and endeavouring to 
reconnoitre your left ; and I think, sir, they offer 
you battle." " What is the nature of the ground, 
and vvliat your opinion 2" " Their front is open, 
and their flanks rest on the woods, under cover of 
which they may be attacked ; their right is skirted 
by a lofty height. I would indulge them." " Well, 
then, order on Morgan to begin the game." I 
waited on the Colonel, whose corps was formed in 
front of our centre, and delivered the order ; he 
knew the ground and inquired the position of the 
onemy ; they were formed across a newly cultiva- 
ted field, their grenadiers with several field pieces 
on the left, bordering on a wood and a small ra- 
vine formed by the rivulet before alluded to ; their 
light infantry on the right, covered by a worm fence 
at the foot of the hill before mentioned, thickly 
oovered with wood ; their centre composed of 
British and German battallions. Col. Morgan, with 
his usual sagacity, proposed to make a circuit with 
his corps by our left, and under cover of the wood 
to gain the height on the right of the enemy, and 
from thence commence the attack, so soon as our 
fire should be opened against their left ; the plan 
was the best which could be devised, and no doubt 



113 

contributed essentially to the prompt and decisive 
victory we gained. 

" This proposition was approved by the Gene- 
ral, and it was concerted that time should be al- 
lowed the Colonel to make the proposed circuit, 
and gain his station on the enemy's right before 
the attack should be made on their left ; Poor's 
brigade was ordered for this service, and the attack 
was commenced in due season on the flank and 
front of the British grenadiers, by the New-Hamp- 
shire and New-York troops. True to his purpose, 
Morgan at this critical moment poured down like 
a torrent from the hill, and attacked the right of the 
enemy in front and flank. Dearborn, at the mo- 
ment when the enemy's light infantry were attempt- 
ing to change front, pressed forward with ardor A 
and delivered a close fire ; then leaped the fence, 
shouted, charged, and gallantly forced them to re- 
tire in disorder ; yet, headed by that intrepid soK 
dier, the Earl of Balcarras, they were immediately 
rallied, and re-formed behind a fence in rear of 
their first position ; but being now attacked with 
great audacity, in front and flanks, by superior 
numbers, resistance became vain, and the whole 
line, commanded by Burgoyne in person, gave way, 
and made a precipitate and disorderly retreat to 
his eamp, leaving two twelve and six six pounders 



114 

on the field, with the loss of more than 400 officers 
and men, killed, wounded and captured, and among 
them the flower of his officers, viz. Brigadier Gene- 
ral Frazier, Major Ackland, commanding the gren- 
adiers ; Sir Francis Clark, his first aid- de-camp ; 
Major Williams, commanding officer of the artille- 
ry ; Captain Mooney, deputy quarter-master-gene- 
ral ; and many others. After delivering the order 
to General Poor, and directing him to the point of 
attack, I was peremptorily commanded to repair to 
the rear, and order up Ten Broeck's regiment of 
New- York militia, 3000 strong. I performed this 
service, and regained the field of battle at the mo- 
ment the enemy had turned their backs — 52 min- 
utes after the first shot was fired. The ground 
whicli had been occupied by the British grenadiers, 
presented a scene of complicated horror and exul- 
tation. In the square space of twelve or fifteen 
yards lay eighteen grenadiers in the agonies of 
death, and three officers propped up against stumps 
of trees, two of them mortally wounded, bleeding, 
and almost speechless. What a spectacle for 
one whose bosom glowed with philanthropy ; and 
how vehement the impulse which excites men of 
sensibility to seek such scenes of barbarism ! I 
found the courageous Col. Cilley a-straddle on a 
brass twelve pounder, and exulting in the capture : 



115 

whilst a surgeon, a man of great worth, who was 
dressing one of the officers, raising his blood-be- 
smeared hands in the phrenzy of patriotism, ex- 
claimed, " Wilkinson, 1 have dipped my hands in 
British blood." He received a sharp rebuke for 
his brutality ; and with the troops I pursued the 
hard pressed flying enemy, passing over killed and 
wounded, until I heard one exclaim, " Protect me, 
sir, against this boy." Turning my eyes, it was my 
fortune to arrest the purpose of a lad thirteen or 
fourteen years old, in the act of taking aim at the 
wounded officer, who lay in the angle of a worm 
fence. Inquiring his rank, he answered, " I had 
the honor to command the grenadiers." Of course, 
I knew him to be Major Ackland, who had been 
brought from the field to this place, on the back 
of Captain Shrimpton, of his own corps, under a 
heavy fire, and was here deposited, to save the lives 
of both. I dismounted, took him by the hand, and 
expressed my hopes that he was not badly wound- 
ed. " Not badly," replied this gallant officer and 
accomplished gentleman, " but very inconvenient- 
ly. I am shot through both legs. Will you, sir, 
have the goodness to have me conveyed to your 
camp ?" I directed my servant to alight, and we 
lifted Ackland into his seat, and ordered rjim to be 
conducted to head quarters. I then proceeded to 



116 

the scene of renewed action, which embraced Bur- 
goyne's right flank defence, and extending to his 
left, crossed a hollow covered with wood, about 40 
rods, to the entrenchment of the light infantry. — 
The roar of cannon and small arms, at this junc- 
ture, was sublime, between the enemy, behind their 
works, and our troops entirely exposed, or partially 
sheltered by trees, stumps, or hollows, at various 
distances, not exceeding 120 yards. This right 
flank defence of the enemy, occupied by the Ger- 
man corps of Breyman, consisted of a breast work 
of rails piled horizontally between perpendicular 
pickets, driven into the earth, en potence to the rest 
of his line, and extended about 250 yards across an 
open field, and was covered on the right by a bat- 
tery of two guns. The interval from the left to the 
British light infantry, was committed to the defence 
ef the provincialists, who occupied a couple of log 
cabins. The Germans were encamped immedi- 
ately behind the rail breast work, and the ground 
in front of it declined, in a very gentle slope, for 
about 120 yards, when it sunk abruptly. Our 
troops had formed a line under this declivity, and 
eovered breast high, were warmly engaged with the 
Germans. From this position, about sunset, I per- 
ceived Brigadier' General Learned advancing to- 
wards the enemy with his brigade, in open column, 



m, 

1 think with Col. M. Jackson's regiment in front- 
as I saw Lieut Colonel Brooks, who commanded 
it, near the General when I rode up to him. On 
saluting this brave old soldier, he inquired, " Where 
can I put in with most advantage?" I had partic- 
ularly examined the ground between the lefttof the 
Germans and the light infantry, occupied by the 
provincialists, from whence I had observed a slack 
fire. I therefore recommended to General Learned 
to incline to his right, and attack at that point. He 
did so, with great gallantry; the provincialists 
abandoned their position and fled. The German 
flank was, by this means, left uncovered. They 
were assaulted vigorously, overturned in five min- 
utes, and retreated in disorder, leaving their gallant 
commander, Lieut. Colonel Breyman, dead on the 
field. By dislodging this corps, the whole British 
encampment was laid open to us ; but the extreme 
darkness of the night, the fatigue of the men, and 
disorder incident to undisciplined troops, after so 
desultory an action, put it out of our pow«r to im- 
prove the advantage ; and in the course of the 
night, General Burgoyne broke up his camp, and 
retired to his original position, which he had forti- 
fied, behind the great ravine." 

On the morning of the 8th, the American army 
marched inte the British camp, which had been 



118 

deserted the evening previous. The enemy con-; 
tinued to retreat till they had reached the height 
beyond the Fish C eek, where they encamped on 
the 10th. Finding his retreat cut off by a party of 
troops, who had taken a position in his rear, and 
his advance impeded by superior numbers, General 
Burgoyne accepted the terms of capitulation, pro- 
posed by General Gates, and surrendered his whole 
army to the American forces, on the 17th October, 
1777. 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Native Indians, ... 5 

Settlement of Jamestown in Virginia, - 7 
Pocahontas, -----& 

Jamestown saved, - 9 

Plymouth Settlers, - - - 10 

Discovery of Indian Corn, - - 1 1 

Massasoit the Indian Prince or Sachem, - 12 

Settlement of Connecticut, - - 13 

Stratagem of a Pequot Indian, ■<• - 15 

Destruction of the Pequot fort, - 15 

Elliott the Indian Missionary, - - 18 

Attack on Blookfield, - - 19 

Swamp fight, 20 

Death of King Philip, .- . - 23 

The Regicides 24 

William Penn, 26 

Preservation of the Charter of Connecticut, 27 
Destruction of Schenectady, by the French and 

Indians, 28 

Salem Witchcraft, 29 

Great Snow ?3torm, 30 

Invasion of Georgia - - - 31 

Braddock's Defeat, ... 33 

JStamp Act, - - 34 

Destruction of Tea in Boston, 35 

Battle of Lexington, 36 

Battle of Bunker's Hill, - 37 

Washington Commander in Chief, 39 

Declaration of Independence, - - 40 

Battle of Trenton, - 40 



120 



Pago 

Murder of Miss M'Crea, - 42 

Capture of Gen. Burgoyne, 44 

Gen. Putnam's escape at Horseneck, - 45 

Storming of Stoney Point, - - 45 

Capture of Andre, ... 47 

Surrender of Cornvvallis - 49 

Washington taking leave of his Army, - 51 

Inauguration of Washington, - - 52 

Dr. Franklin's experiment in Electricity, - 54 

Steam Boats, - - - - 55 

Expedition of Lewis and Clark, 56 

Battle of Lake Erie, - - - 59 

Death of Tecumseh, - - - 60 

Burning of Washington City, - - 61 

Batile on Lake Champlain, - 63 

Gen. Jackson's Victory at New-Orleans, - 64 

Western Antiquities, - - -66 

Erie Canal, - - 67 

Gen. La Fayette's visit, * - 69 

QUESTIONS, - 73 
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 

Discoveries and Settlements, - * 82 

Indian and French Wars, - - - 85 

Events in the Revolutionary War, - - 87 

Second War with Great-Britain, - - 90 

Remarkable Events, - * - 93 

APPENDIX, - 97 



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